The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned a Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the state’s efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking through improved enforcement and rapid response.
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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Kano, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the fight against drug abuse, saying sustained government interventions and collaboration with relevant agencies were yielding positive results.
He declared that his administration remained committed to reducing drug abuse to the barest minimum.
The Governor explained that the newly established Quick Response Squad would strengthen the operational capacity of the Task Force to respond promptly to reports and emerging threats associated with substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
He stressed that the fight against drug abuse should go beyond arrest and prosecution to include rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration of affected persons into society.
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Governor Yusuf said the government would sustain apprenticeship and skills acquisition programmes to enable rehabilitated persons to become economically productive and discourage them from returning to drug-related activities.
He commended the Chairman and members of the Task Force for their commitment, courage and dedication, noting that their achievements demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
The Governor, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other government officials, inspected the newly commissioned facility and operational equipment.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the initiative would significantly improve the agency’s capacity to tackle drug-related challenges and protect communities.
He assured the Governor that the Task Force would sustain its operations and strengthen collaboration with security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents and other stakeholders.
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Rimin Gado described the fight against drug abuse as a collective responsibility requiring sustained efforts in prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for his support and commitment, assuring that the Task Force would continue working towards reducing substance abuse and illicit trafficking across Kano State.