Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared a state of emergency on drug abuse, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
The governor signed the Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse Executive Order at the Government House in Kano on Wednesday, describing the move as a decisive response to rising drug-related crimes and threats to public safety.
Under the executive order, the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions has been banned across the state.
Governor Yusuf also announced movement restrictions in areas identified as major drug abuse hotspots.
“The movement restriction will be enforced daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., while security agencies have been empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order,” he said.
The governor warned that properties used for drug trafficking or the sale of illicit substances would face severe sanctions.
“Certificates of Occupancy of properties used for the sale and trafficking of illicit drugs will be revoked.”
Yusuf said the emergency declaration was backed by the provisions of Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law and Cap 89 of 1991.
He described drug abuse as one of the biggest threats to security and public order, warning that it fuels violent crime, destroys families, weakens the economy and undermines social stability.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of young people involved in substance abuse, the governor said urgent and coordinated action had become necessary.
As part of the initiative, Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to implement the emergency measures.
According to him, the committee has been mandated to identify, map and dismantle drug dens and hideouts of criminal gangs, popularly known as Daba, across Kano State.
The task force will also arrest and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers linked to drug trafficking.
The governor pledged full government support for the committee, including funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security, while assuring members of operational independence.
He added that the task force would coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
Speaking after his inauguration, the Chairman of the task force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the committee.
“We understand the enormity of this responsibility and will 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 Kano State.”
The task force includes representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and the business community.
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