The Kano State Government has launched a multi-agency task force to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, a growing concern in the state. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, about 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use psychoactive substances non-medically, with Kano's prevalence at around 16%. The task force, established on July 22, 2026, brings together security, law enforcement, health, traditional, religious, and civil society stakeholders to address the issue.
The task force, chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has made significant progress in its two months of operation. Addressing the media on September 22, 2026, Chairman Rimin Gado reported that over 380 suspects have been arrested and more than 230 convictions secured. The operations have targeted identified drug joints and criminal black spots, including Race Course, Filin Idi, and Tashar Rami, with the goal of dislodging gathering points for drug users, dealers, and suspected criminals.
The task force's operations have extended beyond the metropolis to all 44 local government areas of the state. In August, raids in Rimin Gado and Doka communities resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects and the recovery of assorted illicit substances. By September, the scale of operations had increased, with at least 70 suspected drug users and others allegedly involved in related activities arrested in Gandun Albasa, Kasuwar Rimi, Fagge, and railway areas.
The task force has also announced a target of removing 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets for rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration. Chairman Rimin Gado notes that some drug joints serve as meeting points for individuals who later engage in gang-related activities, such as DABA and phone snatching. The task force's approach combines drug enforcement with action against gang-related activities to address the consequences surrounding substance abuse.
The campaign has exposed concerns around the vulnerability of children, with 43 underage children rescued after investigations indicated they were allegedly supplied with intoxicating substances while engaged in street scavenging. Two men, Kabiru Isa and Usman Hamisu, were subsequently convicted and received a cumulative nine-year prison sentence without an option of fine. The rescued children have undergone medical checks and are receiving counselling and treatment.
The task force has also seized a large quantity of controlled medicines, including about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin from a pharmaceutical company in the state, suspected to be diverted for illicit use. Chairman Rimin Gado has called on pharmaceutical stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and cooperate with inspections and investigations to prevent the diversion of controlled medicines.
The Kano State Government's efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking have yielded significant results in a short period. The task force's multi-agency approach and commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem have been commended. The government aims to sustain the momentum and ensure that the state is made safer for its citizens, particularly the youth.
Key points
- Over 380 suspects arrested and 230 convictions secured in two months.
- Task force targets 10,000 vulnerable youths for rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Large quantities of controlled medicines seized, including 870,000 Pregabalin capsules.
