Kano Taskforce Disrupts Illicit Drug Supply Chain, Arrests 71 Peddlers

Kano Taskforce Disrupts Illicit Drug Supply Chain, Arrests 71 Peddlers

The Kano State Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug and Other Illicit Substances Abuse says its enforcement operations have disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs in the state, with 71 suspected peddlers, suppliers and other offenders arrested and charged to court. Chairman of the taskforce, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, disclosed the development while briefing members of the Kano Correspondents Chapel on the committee’s recent activities. Rimin-Gado said the taskforce had recorded significant progress in tackling both the supply and demand sides of illicit substances, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for drug abuse and gang activities. He said 71 arrests were recorded in Dan Agundi Jalamo, a location identified as a major hotspot, with four of the cases having the potential to result in convictions. According to him, suspects arrested for drug-related offences are subjected to drug tests to determine the appropriate response. Those who test positive for a single substance, particularly cannabis, may be counselled and released to their parents or guardians, with follow-up tests scheduled. Individuals found to be abusing multiple substances are prosecuted, while some may be sentenced to rehabilitation programmes rather than conventional imprisonment. The taskforce chairman also disclosed that more than 41 inmates convicted by the courts are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Kiru Reformatory Institute, where the government provides their care and feeding. Beyond enforcement, the Kano State Government has commenced a rehabilitation and reintegration programme targeting 10,000 youths within one year. Rimin-Gado said the programme would combine drug rehabilitation with skills acquisition and vocational training to help beneficiaries return to productive lives. Training centres across the state are expected to provide skills in areas including garment production, leatherwork, electrical installation and GSM repairs. The taskforce is also tackling gang violence, with several leaders of rival groups arrested. Rimin-Gado warned that the authorities would intensify their crackdown on groups involved in violence and unrest linked to illicit substance abuse. The chairman said the taskforce’s approach combines enforcement with rehabilitation and reintegration, stressing that the objective is not only to disrupt drug trafficking but also to address the social problems contributing to substance abuse in Kano.