Posted by Chinenye on Tue 28th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
The Kano anti-drug committee has issued a strong warning as it moves against suspected offenders, revealing a tougher approach that could reshape the fight against crime in the state.
(Muhuyi Rimin-Gado. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, the chairman of the Kano State Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, has cautioned lawmakers against putting increasing pressure on the committee to seek the release of drug offenders or suspected thugs detained during its operations.
Speaking on Tuesday at a strategic discussion with journalists and media executives in Kano, Rimin-Gado insisted that no person, regardless of political standing, would have any influence over the task force's operations and that it would carry out its mandate without fear or favor.
Rimin-Gado stated that no politician should approach him to secure the release of any suspected thug arrested by the committee, stressing that as indigenes of Kano State, they would not allow a few individuals to jeopardise its future.
He said the only person entitled to make such a request is the governor, adding that were the governor to do so, it would effectively amount to an indirect request for his resignation.
The committee, inaugurated by Governor Abba Yusuf, comprises representatives of security agencies across the state and was set up to tackle drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang-related violence.
Rimin-Gado explained that the task force was established following the governor's declaration of a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22, with a mandate to clamp down on illicit drug traffickers, curb substance abuse, rehabilitate victims and prosecute offenders.
He said the committee's main target remains drug traffickers, whom he described as the primary enemies of society, while also committing to establishing mechanisms for rehabilitation and community engagement.
He cited statistics from the Kano State Police Command indicating that about 70 per cent of major crimes recorded in the state in 2025 were linked to drug abuse.
Noting that a significant number of such crimes would not have occurred without it, hence the government's decision to establish the multi-agency task force to confront the problem.
Rimin-Gado said the committee would also focus on dismantling violent gangs operating across the state, noting that the executive order signed by the governor had outlawed such groups under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code.
With membership of any group declared unlawful under the law attracting a minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction.
He said the committee would rely on intelligence gathering, collaboration with security agencies and community participation to combat drug-related crimes and restore public safety.
He appealed to parents to pay closer attention to their children's activities, stressing that parental supervision remains critical to preventing substance abuse and youth involvement in crime, and urged parents not to be parents in name only but to actively monitor and guide their children toward becoming responsible future leaders.
He further called on media organisations and other stakeholders to support the committee through sustained public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of collective action against illicit trafficking, stressing that the fight required the support of the media, community leaders, parents and every resident of Kano to protect the future of the state.