Kano Anti-Drug Committee Warns Politicians, Others Against Seeking Release of Suspects

The Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has warned that anyone attempting to secure the release of suspected drug traffickers, drug addicts, or gang members arrested by the committee will be publicly identified.

Rimingado said the committee would expose the identities of individuals, including politicians and other influential figures, who seek to interfere with its operations through pressure, threats, or other forms of influence to obtain the release of suspects.

According to him, such actions amount to aiding criminality and undermining the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and gang-related violence.

The committee chairman issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Kano.Called on media organisations, community leaders, and residents to support the government’s campaign against substance abuse and related crimes.

He explained that the committee was established by the Kano State Government as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and its link to violent crime across the state.

Rimingado recalled that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22 before inaugurating the multi-agency committee with the mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate victims of drug abuse, and ensure the prosecution of offenders.

He said the committee would adopt a community-based approach and work closely with the media to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the anti-drug campaign.

Citing security statistics, Rimingado noted that drug abuse remains a major driver of crime in Kano, revealing that about 70.2 percent of the more than 3,080 major crime suspects arrested by the police last year were linked to substance abuse.

He expressed confidence that addressing the root causes of drug abuse would significantly reduce criminal activities and improve public safety across the state.

The chairman also disclosed that the committee would intensify efforts to curb gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba, describing the phenomenon as a direct consequence of substance abuse.

He warned that individuals involved in violent activities would face prosecution in accordance with the law, stressing that the Kano State Government remains committed to enforcing all relevant laws against offenders.

Rimingado further urged parents to play a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children to prevent them from becoming involved in drug abuse and criminal activities.

He emphasized that safeguarding the future of young people requires collective responsibility and sustained public engagement.

Reiterating that the success of the campaign depends on broad collaboration, Rimingado called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and members of the public to actively support the initiative.

He assured residents that the committee would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to restore peace, curb drug-related crimes, and promote a safer Kano State.