Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who leads the Kano State Joint Task Force on drug and gang-related crime, has stated that narcotics remain the primary catalyst for local criminal activity. According to data from the previous year, roughly 70.2 percent of the 3,080 major arrests made by police were tied directly to substance use. He argued that tackling this issue at its source is essential for improving state safety.
The task force was created by the Kano State government as part of a larger plan to combat the rise in violent crime. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf initiated a public health emergency regarding drug abuse on July 22 and subsequently formed this multi-agency committee. Their mission includes prosecuting offenders, helping those in rehabilitation, and stopping drug trafficking.
Rimin Gado emphasized that gang violence, frequently referred to as Daba, stems from drug dependency. He warned that the government intends to prosecute those who commit violent acts to the full extent of the law. He also called on parents to increase their oversight of their children to keep them away from illegal substances.
The chairman stressed that winning this fight requires a joint effort between the government, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the media. By strengthening these partnerships, the task force aims to foster a more secure and peaceful environment for all Kano residents.
