Kano Task Force Chair Warns Politicians Against Interference In Drug Crackdown

The Chairman of the Kano State Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, has warned politicians against pressuring the committee to release suspected thugs and drug offenders arrested during its operations.

Rimin-Gado issued the warning on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with media executives and journalists in Kano, where he pledged that the task force would operate independently and without fear or favour.

He said no individual, regardless of political influence, would be allowed to interfere with the committee’s activities.

“No politician should approach me to release any thug if we arrest him. This is Kano, and we are all indigenes of the state. We will not allow a few people to destroy its future,” he said.

According to him, only Governor Abba Yusuf has the authority to request the release of an arrested person, adding that such an instruction would amount to a vote of no confidence in his leadership of the task force.

“The only person who can ask me to release anybody is the Governor. If he does so, it simply means he is indirectly asking me to resign,” he added.

The task force, inaugurated by Governor Yusuf, comprises representatives from various security agencies and was established to tackle drug abuse, illicit trafficking and gang-related violence in the state.

Rimin-Gado said the committee was set up following the governor’s declaration of a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22.

He explained that the task force’s mandate includes arresting drug traffickers, reducing substance abuse, rehabilitating victims and ensuring the prosecution of offenders.

“Our major target is the drug traffickers because they are the main enemies of society. We are also committed to creating mechanisms for rehabilitation and community engagement,” he said.

The chairman disclosed that data from the Kano State Police Command indicated that about 70 percent of major crimes recorded in the state in 2025 were linked to drug abuse.

He said tackling substance abuse was critical to reducing crime and restoring security across the state.

Rimin-Gado added that the committee would also focus on dismantling violent gangs, noting that an executive order signed by the governor had outlawed such groups under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code.

He stated that individuals convicted of belonging to any group declared unlawful under the law face a minimum five-year jail term.

The task force chairman said it would rely on intelligence gathering, security collaboration and community participation to combat drug-related crimes.

He urged parents to take greater responsibility in monitoring their children, stressing that family supervision was essential in preventing substance abuse and youth involvement in criminal activities.

Rimin-Gado also called on media organisations, community leaders and residents to support the fight against drug abuse through public awareness campaigns.

“This fight is not for the committee alone. It requires the support of the media, community leaders, parents and every resident of Kano. Together, we can protect the future of our state,” he said.