Muhuyi Rimingado, the Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, has warned politicians and other influential individuals against attempting to secure the release of suspects arrested by the committee.
He said he would publicly expose the identities of politicians and other highly placed individuals who interfere with the committee’s operations by seeking the release of suspects.
While speaking at a press conference at the committee’s office in Kano on Tuesday, Mr Rimingado said such interference amounts to aiding criminality and undermines the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and gang-related violence.
He called on media organisations, community leaders and residents to support the government’s campaign against substance abuse and related crimes.
Mr Rimingado 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 connection to violent crime across the state.
He recalled that Governor Abba Yusuf declared a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22 before inaugurating the multi-agency committee with a mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitate victims of drug abuse and ensure the prosecution of offenders.
According to him, the committee will adopt a community-based approach and work closely with the media to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the anti-drug campaign.
Mr Rimingado described drug abuse as a major driver of crime in Kano, revealing that about 70.2 per cent 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.
“This committee will intensify efforts to curb gang-related violence, popularly known as Daba. Daba is a direct consequence of substance abuse.
“Individuals involved in violent activities will face prosecution in accordance with the law. The Kano State Government remains committed to enforcing all relevant laws against offenders.
“Let me strongly warn politicians not to come to the committee seeking the release of suspects.
“I will not hesitate to expose any politician or highly placed individual attempting to secure the release of suspects. Allow us to do our work effectively,” Mr Rimingado warned.
He also 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 emphasised 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, Mr 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 strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders to restore peace, curb drug-related crimes and promote a safer Kano.
