The Kano State Government has banned the sale and trafficking of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products across the state as part of measures to tackle substance abuse and drug-related crimes.
Governor Abba Yusuf announced the directive on Wednesday after signing executive orders on public safety and substance abuse at the Government House in Kano.
The governor also imposed movement restrictions in communities identified as hotspots for drug abuse and criminal activities, with the restriction running from 6pm to 10am.
Yusuf said the executive order had taken immediate effect and authorised security agencies to intensify operations against individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
According to him, the directive prohibits the sale of illicit substances and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.
He said, “The Executive Order on Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse takes immediate effect. It prohibits the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.
“It also imposes movement restrictions in identified hotspots to enable security agencies to tackle drug-related crimes effectively.”
The governor further warned that properties used for the trafficking or sale of illicit drugs could be forfeited through the revocation of their Certificates of Occupancy.
He said security agencies had been directed to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders in accordance with the law.
Yusuf explained that the measures were introduced under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law, Cap 89 of 1991, which empowers the government to take steps to protect public safety.
He described substance abuse as a major challenge confronting young people in the state, noting that it contributes to violent crime, family breakdown, economic hardship and social instability.
To strengthen enforcement, the governor inaugurated a Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force comprising representatives of security agencies and other stakeholders.
The task force is expected to coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives and collaboration with relevant agencies and communities.
It will also identify and dismantle criminal hideouts, illicit drug dens and other locations linked to drug trafficking across the state.
Yusuf said the task force had the authority to arrest and prosecute leaders, members, sponsors and financiers of criminal groups involved in illicit drug trafficking, in line with existing laws.
He assured the committee of government support, including funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and security assistance, while urging its members to maintain professionalism and independence.
Responding on behalf of the task force, its chairman, Muhuyi Rimingado, thanked the governor for the confidence placed in the committee.
Rimingado said, “We fully understand the enormity of this responsibility and will discharge our mandate with integrity, professionalism and without compromise.”
He added that the committee would work with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and local communities to address substance abuse and promote lasting peace in Kano State.
The task force includes representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside representatives of traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and the business community.
