The Kano State Multi-Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse and Other Related Crimes has arrested 28 suspects and shut down five suspected drug hotspots during operations in Rimin Gado and Doka communities.
The operation was carried out on Friday in Rimin Gado Local Government Area and Doka in Tofa Local Government Area.
A statement issued by the committee’s secretary, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the task force recovered different types of illicit substances during the operation.
The task force chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, said the operation was aimed at showing that the law would be enforced equally across the state.
“We are treating every community equally and enforcing the law without bias. Our guiding principle is ‘Kano First’, and we are determined to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and drug-free state in line with the vision of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf,” he said.
Muhuyi said starting the operation in his hometown was deliberate, adding that the fight against drug abuse would be extended beyond Kano metropolis to all 44 local government areas of the state.
He said the operation involved both enforcement and investigations to disrupt criminal activities and identify those involved.
According to the statement, investigations are still ongoing, and anyone found guilty will be prosecuted in line with the law.
The task force also said it would work with community leaders, regulatory agencies, health workers and educational institutions to prevent drug abuse and support rehabilitation.
Muhuyi stressed that legitimate businesses were not the target of the operation, saying the task force was focused on protecting businesses and communities from the effects of drug trafficking and abuse.
The task force urged residents to report suspicious activities and information linked to drug trafficking and abuse.