Kano Gov Signs Executive Orders Against Abuse of Illicit Substances, Trafficking

 

Disturbed by the increasing abuse of illicit substances in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Wednesday signed Executive Orders prohibiting drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

Appending his signature to the new Executive Order on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf said the Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse in Kano would henceforth outlaw the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals without valid prescriptions.

The governor also declared that the new Executive Order, which takes immediate effect, would enforce movement restrictions across hotspots identified as epicentres of drug abuse between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. daily in Kano.

According to Governor Yusuf, security personnel across federal and state agencies will be reinforced to stop, search, arrest, and prosecute suspects. He added that Certificates of Occupancy for properties used for illicit drug sales and trafficking would be revoked.

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Shortly after signing the Order, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force Committee to implement the Public Safety Emergency Order.

The governor maintained that the provisions of Section 97A of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and Cap 89 of 1991 empower him to declare the menace unlawful.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the major threats to security and public peace in Kano, expressing concern that a large number of youths now abuse various illicit substances, a trend that is fuelling violent crimes, destroying families, weakening the economy, and undermining social stability.

According to the governor, part of the committee’s mandate is to identify, map, and dismantle all Daba Gang hideouts, illicit drug dens, and territorial enclaves across the state.

He said the task force is empowered by the Executive Order to arrest, detain, and prosecute Daba Gang leaders, members, sponsors, and financiers involved in illicit drug trafficking.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the task force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics, and security backing, while guaranteeing its operational independence to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.

He said the newly inaugurated task force would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee.

He assured the governor and the people of Kano that the task force would carry out its assignment with integrity, professionalism, and without compromise.

Muhuyi said members of the task force fully understand the enormity of their responsibility and would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and community leaders to combat drug abuse and promote lasting peace across the state.

He expressed confidence that the task force would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Kano State.

The task force comprises representatives of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as representatives of civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and business communities.

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