‘Drug abuse fuels 70% of major crimes in Kano’ – Task force chair

The chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has said available security statistics indicate that drug abuse remains a major driver of criminal activity in Kano.

He lamented that about 70.2 per cent of more than 3,080 major crime arrests recorded by the police last year were linked to substance abuse and illicit drug use, stressing that addressing the root causes of drug abuse would significantly reduce crime and improve public safety across the state.

To this end, the chairman called on media organisations, community leaders and residents to support the state’s campaign against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang violence.

Speaking during a meeting with journalists, Rimin Gado said the committee was established by the Kano State Government as part of a broader strategy to address the growing menace of drug abuse and its link to violent crime across the state.

He recalled that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22 before inaugurating the multi-agency committee with the mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate victims of drug abuse and ensure the prosecution of offenders.

According to him, the committee will adopt a community-based approach while strengthening collaboration with the media to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the campaign.

The chairman also said the committee would intensify efforts to tackle gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba, which he described as a by-product of substance abuse.

He warned that individuals involved in violent activities would face prosecution in line with the provisions of the law, adding that the state government was committed to enforcing relevant legal measures against offenders.

Rimin Gado urged parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring and guiding their children to prevent them from becoming involved in drug abuse and criminal activities.

He emphasised that safeguarding the future of young people requires collective responsibility and sustained public engagement.

The chairman reiterated that the success of the campaign depends on the active participation of all stakeholders, including the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public.

He assured residents that the committee would continue to engage stakeholders and strengthen partnerships to restore peace, curb drug-related crime and promote a safer Kano State.