‘Drug abuse fuels 70% of major crimes in Kano’ – Task force chair
Kano State Task Force Reports Drug Abuse Linked to Crime Surge
KANO, Nigeria — Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking, and Gang-Related Violence, highlighted recent statistics indicating a significant correlation between drug abuse and criminal activity in the region.
Rimin Gado reported that nearly 70.2 percent of the over 3,080 major arrests made by law enforcement last year were associated with substance abuse and illicit drug use. He emphasized that tackling the root causes of drug abuse is essential for reducing crime and enhancing public safety in Kano.
In a meeting with journalists, Rimin Gado urged media organizations, community leaders, and residents to support the state’s ongoing campaign against substance abuse, drug trafficking, and gang violence.
The task force was established by the Kano State Government as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating issue of drug abuse and its links to violent crime. The initiative follows a declaration by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who announced a statewide public health emergency concerning substance abuse on July 22. He subsequently inaugurated the multi-agency committee tasked with addressing drug trafficking, rehabilitating victims, and ensuring the prosecution of offenders.
Rimin Gado outlined the committee’s intention to adopt a community-based approach to raise public awareness and foster support for the campaign. He noted that efforts would also focus on reducing gang-related violence, commonly referred to as Daba, which he identified as a consequence of drug abuse.
He warned that individuals engaging in violent acts would face legal repercussions, reiterating the state government’s commitment to enforcing relevant laws against offenders.
In addition, Rimin Gado encouraged parents to assume greater responsibility in monitoring their children to deter involvement in drug abuse and criminal activities. He stressed that protecting the future of young people necessitates collective responsibility and ongoing public engagement.
The chairman concluded by asserting that the campaign’s success hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders, including the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public. He assured residents that the committee would continue engaging stakeholders and strengthening partnerships to restore peace, reduce drug-related crime, and promote a safer Kano State.
