By Abdullahi Yusuf
Against the backdrop of increasing abuse of illicit substances in Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has signed an Executive Order that prohibits abuse and trafficking of illicit substances in the state.
Signing the executive order on Wednesday, Yusuf said the order on Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse in Kano will henceforth outlaw all sales of illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals without valid prescription.
He also declared that the new Executive Order which takes immediate effect,will enforce movement restriction across hotspots identified as epicenters of drug abuse between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. daily in Kano.
According to the Governor, security apparatus across Federal and state agencies will be reinforced to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspects, adding that the certificate of occupancy of properties used for sales of illicit drug trafficking will also be revoked.
Shortly after signing the Order, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Taskforce Committee to execute the Public Safety Emergency Order.
The Governor maintained that the provision of section 97 A of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and CAP 89 of 1991 empowered him to declare the menace unlawful.
He described drug abuse as one of the major threats to security and public peace in Kano, worrying that a large population of youth now abuse all sorts of illicit substances which fuel violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability.
Yusuf said part of the mandate of the committee is to identify, map, and dismantle all Daba Gang hideouts, illicit drugs dens and territorial enclaves in the state.
He said the taskforce is also empowered by the Executive Order to arrest, detain, and prosecute Daba Gang leaders, members, sponsors, and financiers of illicit drug trafficking.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Task Force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics, and security backing, while guaranteeing its operational independence to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.
He said the newly-inaugurated Task Force would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee.
Rimingado assured the Governor and the people of the state that the Task Force would carry out its assignment with integrity, professionalism, and without fear or favour.
He said members of the Task Force fully understand the enormity of their responsibility and would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and community leaders to combat drug abuse and promote lasting peace across the state.
The chairman also assured that the Task Force would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Kano State.
The task force comprises representatives of security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force(NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as representatives of civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and business communities.