Kano Intensifies War on Drug Abuse, Thuggery as Governor Yusuf Commissions Quick Response Squad, Unveils Multi-Million Naira Equipment

By Lamara Garba

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has stepped up the state’s campaign against drug abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking with the commissioning of a Quick Response Squad and the unveiling of operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to tackle the growing challenges of substance abuse and related criminal activities across the state.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, represents another major step in the Yusuf administration’s efforts to combat drug abuse through improved security operations, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and the reintegration of affected persons into society.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far in the state’s fight against drug abuse, expressing optimism that sustained government intervention and collaboration among relevant agencies would significantly reduce the menace.

“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” the Governor declared.

He explained that the newly established Quick Response Squad would enable the Task Force to respond more effectively and promptly to reports of drug-related incidents, emerging security threats and cases of illicit trafficking.

The Governor also described the newly procured operational equipment as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity of the Task Force and other relevant agencies to deliver on their responsibilities.

Beyond enforcement, Yusuf emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and economic empowerment, stressing that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond arrests and prosecution.

According to him, individuals who undergo rehabilitation must be given opportunities to acquire practical skills and participate in legitimate economic activities to prevent them from returning to substance abuse or criminal activities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes that would facilitate the successful reintegration of rehabilitated persons into society.

The Governor commended the Chairman and members of the Multi-Agency Task Force for their dedication and commitment, noting that the progress recorded within a relatively short period demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders.

During the ceremony, Governor Yusuf, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other top government officials, inspected the newly commissioned facility and operational equipment.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by the Task Force, describing its activities as critical to protecting young people and safeguarding the future of Kano State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to intensify the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Rimin Gado said the commissioning of the Quick Response Squad and the provision of modern operational equipment would significantly improve the Task Force’s ability to respond swiftly to drug-related challenges and protect communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

He assured the Governor that the Task Force would sustain its operations and remain committed to its mandate, emphasising that the fight against drug abuse requires consistency, determination and effective collaboration among relevant agencies.

The Chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for his administration’s political will, institutional support and commitment to addressing the drug menace in Kano State.

He noted that the Governor’s continued backing had strengthened the confidence and operational capacity of the Task Force to discharge its responsibilities effectively and without fear or favour.

Rimin Gado further stressed that tackling drug abuse should not be seen exclusively as a security responsibility but as a collective social obligation involving government institutions, security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educational institutions and community stakeholders.

He pledged that the Task Force would continue to strengthen inter-agency cooperation while expanding its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

The Chairman expressed optimism that with sustained government support and the commitment of relevant stakeholders, Kano State would make further progress in reducing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking to the barest minimum.

The commissioning underscores the Kano State Government’s renewed determination to confront drug abuse and its associated social challenges through a combination of security enforcement, rehabilitation and sustainable social interventions.