The Kano State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Muhammad Hassan Agalama, has declared that tackling drug abuse and trafficking is central to addressing more than 90 per cent of the social vices and security challenges confronting society.
A statement signed by Lamara Garba, mnipr Member, Media & Publicity Committee Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Trafficking (MATFDAT) said he made the assertion when the Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Trafficking paid a courtesy visit to the Kano State Command of the NSCDC as part of efforts to strengthen inter agency collaboration and intelligence sharing in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Commandant Agalama described the growing menace of substance abuse as a major threat to peace, security and social stability, stressing that a sustained and coordinated response was required to address the problem.
He commended the foresight of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for constituting the Multi Agency Task Force, describing the initiative as timely and necessary given the alarming spread of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant said the fight against illicit drugs was a collective responsibility that required the active participation of security agencies, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, community organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
He described the assignment as a challenging one that required determination, commitment and strong political will from government and all relevant authorities.
Commandant Agalama expressed concern over the devastating consequences of drug abuse on the younger generation and society at large, stressing that the menace must be confronted through a combination of enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, public enlightenment and youth empowerment.
He assured the Task Force of the full support and cooperation of the NSCDC Kano State Command, stressing that the Corps would continue to work closely with the committee and other sister security agencies to ensure the success of the campaign.
“The fight is for everyone to join, and we can get a drug abuse free society. Certainly, there would be peace and tranquillity in the land,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Trafficking, Alhaji Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the visit was aimed at seeking the support and collaboration of the NSCDC in the ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in Kano State.
He expressed appreciation to the Commandant and officers of the Corps for their cooperation and support towards the activities of the Task Force.
Alhaji Muhyi said the magnitude of the drug menace required collective action, stressing that the Task Force could not succeed in isolation.
“We can’t do it alone. Hence, the desire to collaborate with stakeholders and sister security agencies. We are proud of your personnel and all the other sister security agencies,” he said.
He explained that the Task Force would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, particularly in intelligence gathering, coordinated operations, enforcement and public enlightenment.
The Chairman noted that many of the social ills confronting society could be traced, directly or indirectly, to activities associated with drug abuse and trafficking.
He disclosed that barely one month after the inauguration of the Task Force, there had been a remarkable improvement in the activities of drug peddlers across the state, attributing the development to the combined efforts of the Task Force and collaborating agencies.
Alhaji Muhyi assured the people of Kano State that the Task Force would sustain its campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, while calling on all stakeholders to support the initiative.
He said the Task Force would also intensify engagement with traditional rulers, religious scholars, civil society organisations, market associations, youth groups and other critical stakeholders to ensure that the campaign reaches every segment of society.
The Chairman stressed that the fight against drug abuse was not only an enforcement responsibility but a collective societal obligation requiring everyone to play a role.
Commandant Agalama assured the Task Force that the doors of the NSCDC Kano State Command remained open for further collaboration, support and assistance in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He reiterated the commitment of the Corps to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting young people, strengthening public safety and promoting peace and tranquillity across Kano State.
The engagement forms part of the broader efforts of the Multi Agency Task Force to build a strong inter agency network capable of confronting drug abuse and trafficking through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, prevention, rehabilitation and sustained public awareness. As part of this strategy, the Committee also visited the Kano State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) to seek further collaboration, particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts towards tackling drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
With the growing concern over the impact of substance abuse on crime, youth development and public safety, the Task Force and its collaborating agencies have pledged to deepen their partnership towards significantly reducing the menace across Kano State.