Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has held its maiden meeting, reaffirming its commitment to a coordinated and sustained campaign against drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes across the state.
The Independent Mirror reports that the committee’s secretary, Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, PhD, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, security agencies and other strategic stakeholders to chart a common approach towards tackling the growing menace.
The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, and attended by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Tajo Usman; the Kano State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Mustapha (DAG).
Others, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council; the Head of Operations of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kano State Command; the Officer Commanding (OC) Anti-Daba Unit, Kano State; and other members of the task force.
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Speaking during the meeting, Rimingado described the task force as a strategic platform established to provide a coordinated response to the increasing challenge of drug abuse and the criminal activities associated with it in Kano State.
“The success of this task force depends on unity of purpose, synergy among participating agencies, and the collective commitment of all stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and patriotism,” he said.
He urged members to remain committed to the mandate given to them by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires intelligence sharing, effective law enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation initiatives and continuous collaboration with communities across the state.
Rimingado also said the task force would work closely with security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, youth groups and community leaders to develop practical and sustainable strategies aimed at protecting young people and restoring peace and security across Kano State.
Members of the task force, in separate remarks, pledged their full support towards achieving the committee’s objectives.
They emphasised the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration, proactive intelligence gathering, community participation and sustained public awareness campaigns to effectively combat drug abuse and related criminal activities.
The meeting ended with resolutions to strengthen institutional cooperation, develop an operational framework for implementing the task force’s activities and immediately commence coordinated actions in line with the directives of the Kano State Government.
The task force also reiterated its determination to build a safer, healthier and more secure Kano State, while calling on members of the public to support its efforts by providing credible information and cooperating with relevant authorities in the fight against drug abuse and criminality.
