LIFESTYLE Culture

Kano Warns Influential Figures Against Freeing Drug Suspects

by admin on | 2026-07-29 12:33:18

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Kano Warns Influential Figures Against Freeing Drug Suspects

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

The Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has warned that anyone attempting to secure the release of suspected drug traffickers, drug users or gang members arrested by the committee will be publicly exposed.

Rimingado said the committee would reveal the identities of individuals, including politicians and other influential figures, who try to interfere in its operations through pressure, threats or other means to secure the release of suspects.

According to him, such actions amount to aiding criminality and undermining efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang-related violence in the state.

The committee chairman gave the warning on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Kano and called on media organisations, community leaders and residents to support the government’s campaign against substance abuse and related crimes.

He explained that the committee was established by the Kano State Government as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and its link to violent crime across the state.

Rimingado 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 a mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate victims and ensure prosecution of offenders.

He said the committee would adopt a community-based approach and work closely with the media to raise awareness and mobilise support for the anti-drug campaign.

Citing security statistics, Rimingado said drug abuse remains a major driver of crime in Kano, noting that about 70.2 per cent of more than 3,080 major crime suspects arrested by police last year were linked to substance abuse.

He expressed confidence that addressing the root causes of drug abuse would significantly reduce criminal activities and improve public safety across the state.

The chairman also said the committee would intensify efforts to curb gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba, describing it as a direct consequence of substance abuse.

He warned that individuals involved in violent activities would face prosecution in accordance with the law, stressing the government’s commitment to enforcing relevant laws.

Rimingado urged parents to play a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children to prevent involvement in drug abuse and crime.

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

Reiterating that the success of the campaign depends on broad collaboration, he called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and the public to support the initiative.

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