Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned a Quick Response Squad of the state’s Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,
This was done alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira.
The commissioning, held on Thursday, November 5, is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking through improved enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
According to a statement by Lamara Garba, Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee of the anti-drug task force, the newly established squad is expected to improve the task force’s ability to respond promptly to drug-related reports, incidents and emerging threats across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the campaign against substance abuse, noting that sustained efforts by the government and partner agencies were gradually producing positive results.
“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” the governor said.He explained that the newly acquired equipment would strengthen the operational capacity of the task force and provide its personnel with the necessary tools to tackle drug-related activities more effectively.
Furthermore, Yusuf stressed that the fight against drug abuse should go beyond arrests and prosecution, emphasising the need to equip rehabilitated persons with practical skills and opportunities to engage in legitimate economic activities.
He added that the state government would continue to support skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes to help rehabilitated persons become productive members of society and reduce the risk of returning to drug use or other illicit activities.
The governor also commended the chairman and members of the task force for their dedication, courage and commitment, while acknowledging the importance of collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders.
Yusuf, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other senior government officials, subsequently inspected the newly commissioned facility and the equipment provided for its operations.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
Rimin Gado said the Quick Response Squad and the newly provided equipment would improve the task force’s ability to respond swiftly to drug-related challenges and protect communities from the consequences of substance abuse.
He also assured the governor that the task force would sustain its operations through stronger collaboration with security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Yusuf for his continued support and political commitment, adding that the government’s backing had strengthened the task force’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.
He further pledged that the agency would sustain its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes as part of efforts to reduce drug abuse and illicit trafficking across Kano State.
