By Uzair Adam
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, as chairman of a newly established Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano State.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the task force was constituted as part of the administration’s renewed commitment to tackling substance abuse and drug-related crimes.
Muhuyi, who until recently headed the state anti-corruption commission, will lead a multi-agency committee that includes A.A. Zaura, the Commander of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama.
Other members include Maryam Muhammad of Northwest University, Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza, retired DCI Abba Badamasi and Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA, while Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary of the Consumer Protection Council, will serve as secretary and Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research and Evaluation at REPA, as co-secretary.
According to the statement, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and support the speedy prosecution of offenders.
The committee will also lead public enlightenment campaigns aimed at reducing drug demand, particularly among youths and other vulnerable groups, while promoting rehabilitation and support services for persons affected by substance abuse.
Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the future of young people and reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community participation.
He also charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and patriotism in order to safeguard the future of Kano State.
