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 rate standing at 16%. The task force, established on July 22, 2026, brings together security, law enforcement, health, traditional, religious, and civil society stakeholders to confront drug abuse and associated criminal activities.
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 disclosed 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 noted 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 aims to address the consequences surrounding substance abuse, with several suspected gang members arrested and convicted.
One of the most disturbing dimensions of the campaign is the vulnerability of children. In a recent case, 43 underage children were rescued after investigations indicated that they were being supplied with intoxicating substances instead of receiving payment for their services as street scavengers. Two men were 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 exposed concerns around the diversion of controlled medicines from legitimate supply chains. About 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin were seized from a pharmaceutical company in the state over suspected diversion for illicit use. The chairman has called on pharmaceutical stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and cooperate with inspections and investigations.
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 combination of enforcement and protection represents a crucial step towards addressing the complex issue of drug abuse in the state. With continued cooperation from stakeholders, the government aims to make a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and associated criminal activities.
Key points
- The Kano State Government has arrested over 380 suspects and secured 230 convictions in its two-month crackdown on drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
- The task force has targeted identified drug joints and criminal black spots, dislodging gathering points for drug users, dealers, and suspected criminals.
- The government aims to remove 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets for rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration.
