The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking says it has arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions since its inauguration in July.
The Chairman of the task force, Mr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this at a press briefing on Tuesday in Kano to highlight the committeeβs achievements two months after its inauguration by Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Rimin Gado said the task force had conducted joint dislodgment and enforcement operations at several drug joints and criminal hideouts across the state.
He listed some of the areas as Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and Tashar Rimi, among others.
According to him, the operations led to the recovery of assorted illicit substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, Rubber Solution and Pregabalin capsules.
He said the task force also recovered dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses, daggers and clubs, allegedly used by drug dealers and thugs.
The chairman said about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin were seized from a pharmaceutical company over alleged diversion for illicit use.
He urged pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and other stakeholders to strengthen internal controls and ensure transparent supply chains.
βNo one will be spared if found culpable,β he said.
Rimin Gado said more than 230 convictions had been secured, including those of two rubber solution dealers, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, also known as Mani.
He said the two were convicted for allegedly exposing 43 underage children, who were engaged in street scavenging, to intoxicants.
He said the rescued children had undergone medical examinations and were receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts were ongoing to trace their families.
The chairman also disclosed that about 125 individuals had been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute, Kiru, for rehabilitation.
He said the growing demand for rehabilitation had led to the provision of an additional facility by the state government in Tofa Local Government Area.
Rimin Gado said the facility would be equipped and put into use to accommodate more people seeking rehabilitation.
He added that the task force was engaging industrial stakeholders on employment and skills acquisition opportunities for rehabilitated youths.
βOur target is to sweep 10,000 youths off the streets, rehabilitate them and train them in skills acquisition so that they can return to society fully informed, reformed and as people of trust and confidence,β he said.
On the fight against thuggery, known locally as βDabaβ, Rimin Gado said several suspected gang members had been arrested and convicted.
He also said the task force had arrested a suspected member of the βYan Liyaβ phone-snatching syndicate and secured the forfeiture of a tricycle allegedly used in committing the offence.
He warned owners of tricycles against knowingly allowing their vehicles to be used for criminal activities.
The chairman said the task force had also intensified sensitisation campaigns in communities, schools, markets and religious institutions to prevent drug abuse.
He attributed the achievements to the cooperation among security agencies, including the NDLEA, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Customs, Nigerian Correctional Service, KOSSAP, Vigilante, Hisbah and KAROTA.
Rimin Gado said the task force would continue to combine enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration to achieve a drug-free Kano.
He commended the governor for establishing the multi-agency task force and providing the political support required to tackle drug abuse and related crimes in the state.
