Kano Drug Taskforce Seeks EFCC Partnership To Tackle Substance Abuse, Trafficking

The Kano State Multi-Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has sought stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state while promoting the rehabilitation of offenders.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Taskforce, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, to the Acting Director of the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Friday Ebelo, at the Commission’s Kano office.

Rimingado said the EFCC was the first agency the Taskforce approached because of its previous productive relationship with the Commission and its strategic role in tackling financial crimes linked to drug trafficking.

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

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The Taskforce chairman explained that the agency’s mandate goes beyond arresting drug abusers, stressing that it is equally committed to rehabilitating offenders and helping them become productive members of society through sensitisation programmes.

“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,” Rimingado said.

Responding, Ebelo reaffirmed the EFCC’s readiness to support the Taskforce, noting that drug abuse and trafficking are closely connected to economic and financial crimes.

“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,” he said.

He urged the Taskforce to share intelligence on individuals and syndicates financing drug trafficking, assuring that the Commission would act decisively on credible information.

“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,” Ebelo added.

The acting zonal director also commended the Taskforce for its recent interception of 116 cartons of the illicit substance locally known as “pregabalin,” but stressed that disrupting trafficking operations required targeting their financial sponsors.

“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.

Describing the Taskforce’s mission as “noble,” Ebelo urged its personnel to remain committed to the fight against drug abuse, saying sustained public enlightenment and youth reorientation were essential to securing a safer society.

“This is a call to duty, one that will save our children and secure our society. We must sensitize our citizens, redirect the focus of our youth, and ensure that they become useful members of society,” he said.