The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has made significant strides in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state. According to the chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, the committee has arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions within two months of its inauguration. The task force was inaugurated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on July 22, 2026, with a mandate to tackle the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
The task force carried out joint enforcement operations at several drug joints and criminal hideouts across the state, leading to the recovery of various illicit substances and dangerous weapons. The recovered substances included Cannabis Sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine injection, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, Rubber Solution, and Pregabalin capsules. The operations also led to the seizure of locally made weapons, including knives, cutlasses, daggers, and clubs. These operations were conducted in areas such as Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, and Kawo.
Rimin Gado expressed concern over the alleged diversion of controlled drugs from legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains. He disclosed that the task force seized about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company in the state over suspected diversion for illicit use. The chairman warned pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists, and other stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and cooperate with inspections. He stressed that those found culpable would face the law.
The task force also secured the conviction of two Rubber Solution dealers, Kabiru Isa (Mada) and Usman Hamisu (Mani), for allegedly exposing 43 underage children to intoxicants. The children, who were involved in street scavenging, were allegedly supplied with Rubber Solution and other substances instead of being properly paid for their services. The 43 children have been rescued, medically examined, and are receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The chairman further disclosed that the task force was prosecuting a former chairman of Rogo Local Government Area, Yahuza Musa, over an allegation involving the illegal administration and sale of Pentazocine. The case followed a complaint involving the alleged administration of the controlled substance to a 63-year-old woman, while a 24-year-old man also allegedly claimed to have spent N10 million and given out a plot of land to purchase the injection from the former chairman.
The task force has also secured convictions of several suspected members of gangs involved in what he described as “DABA”, or mindless thuggery. Some of the convicted individuals include Abdullahi Ahmad, popularly known as Horror; Abubakar Sada, also known as Daburi; Abdullahi Sani, known as Sarki Ale; and Umar Aliyu. Additionally, the task force identified and arrested a member of a suspected phone-snatching syndicate known as “Yan Liya”, securing the forfeiture of a tricycle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
Beyond enforcement, the chairman said the task force had intensified sensitisation campaigns in communities, schools, markets, and religious institutions. About 125 individuals had been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute, Kiru, for rehabilitation. The increasing demand for rehabilitation had filled the Kiru facility to capacity, prompting Governor Yusuf to provide an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to accommodate more people seeking treatment and rehabilitation. The task force’s broader target is to take 10,000 youths off the streets, rehabilitate them, and provide them with skills and employment opportunities to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Key points
- The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested over 380 suspects and secured 230 convictions in two months.
- The task force seized about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company over suspected diversion for illicit use.
- The task force has intensified sensitisation campaigns in communities, schools, markets, and religious institutions, and referred 125 individuals to the Kano Reformatory Institute for rehabilitation.
