Kano Anti-Drug Taskforce Seeks Stronger EFCC Collaboration…

The Kano State Multi-Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has called for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

Key Highlights

• Kano Taskforce seeks EFCC partnership to intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
• Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Chairman of the Taskforce, said the EFCC was the first agency approached because of their previous successful collaboration.
• The Taskforce says its mandate goes beyond arrests and seizures, covering rehabilitation, public sensitisation and reintegration of offenders.
• EFCC Kano Acting Director, ACE1 Friday Ebelo, pledged the Commission’s support for the Taskforce.
• Ebelo identified a strong link between drug trafficking and financial crimes, saying illicit funds often sustain trafficking networks.

Chairman of the Taskforce, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, made the call during a courtesy visit to the acting Director of the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, Friday Ebelo, at the commission’s Kano office.

Rimingado said the EFCC is the first agency he approached for collaboration because of the previous fruitful working relationship between both organisations.

He described the EFCC as a critical institution in the fight against crimes capable of undermining Nigeria’s development, stressing that the taskforce would require the commission’s support to strengthen its operations.

“I called the EFCC directly because I know the critical role this agency plays. We need your support to synergise and move this nation forward. Our letters will be coming, and we will require your assistance,” Rimingado said.

The taskforce chairman explained that the agency’s mandate goes beyond arresting drug abusers and traffickers, noting that it is also committed to rehabilitation, public sensitisation and helping offenders return to productive lives.

“We are not against them; we want to better their lives for a better tomorrow. One of them could be our future president or innovator,” he said.

Responding, Ebelo reaffirmed the EFCC’s readiness to support the taskforce, noting that drug abuse and financial crimes were closely connected.

According to him, drug trafficking is often sustained by illicit financial activities, making financial investigations crucial to dismantling trafficking networks.

“Studies have shown that there is a nexus between drug abuse and financial crimes. Drug trafficking is a by-product of illicit financial activities, and we are most committed to working with you to dismantle these networks,” Ebelo said.

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He urged the taskforce to share intelligence on individuals and syndicates financing drug trafficking operations across Kano State.

“For us here in the EFCC, I look forward to receiving intelligence relating to those financing these illicit activities. Give us the leads, and I assure you that we will follow them up. We must work together to secure a peaceful society,” he said.

Ebelo also commended the taskforce for its recent interception of 116 cartons of pregabalin, an illicit substance linked to the growing drug abuse problem in the state.

However, he stressed that seizures and arrests alone would not be sufficient to eliminate drug trafficking unless the financial networks supporting the trade were also targeted.

“Arresting and seizing exhibits will not solve the problem. We must dig deep into their finances and go after their sponsors. That is why the EFCC must be involved,” he said.

The EFCC official described the taskforce’s work as “noble” and urged its management and personnel to intensify efforts toward creating a drug-free environment for younger generations.

He also called for increased public sensitisation, particularly among youths, to prevent drug abuse and redirect young people towards productive activities.