Repent, Get Rehabilitated and Empowered, Kano Task Force Tells Drug Addicts, Warns Against Political Interference

The Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has called on individuals involved in drug abuse to embrace repentance, assuring them that the Kano State Government is ready to rehabilitate, reintegrate, and economically empower those willing to turn a new leaf.

Barr. Muhuyi made the appeal on Sunday while speaking at a Peace Building Programme organised by the Dorayi Ciranci Youth Development Initiative in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command, held in Dorayi, Kano.

He said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to tackling drug abuse through a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with rehabilitation and empowerment for repentant drug users.

According to him, while criminal elements engaged in drug trafficking and other related crimes will face the full weight of the law, individuals who genuinely renounce drug abuse deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

“We are opening the door for repentance. Anyone who sincerely abandons drug abuse will be supported through rehabilitation and subsequently empowered to become self-reliant. Our objective is not only to enforce the law but also to restore hope and dignity to those willing to change,” Muhuyi said.

The Task Force Chairman, however, issued a stern warning to individuals and property owners involved in the storage, distribution, or sale of illicit drugs, stressing that the Kano State Government would not hesitate to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of any property found to be used for harbouring or storing illicit substances, in line with relevant laws.

He also declared that the Task Force would carry out its operations without fear or favour, insisting that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or social status, would be protected from prosecution.

Muhuyi warned politicians and influential individuals against interfering with the activities of the Task Force or attempting to secure the release of suspects arrested for drug-related offences.

“The era of political interference is over. We will not condone any attempt by politicians or influential persons to interfere with our operations or secure the release of suspects arrested in connection with drug-related offences. The law will take its full course against anyone found wanting,” he stated.

The chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the Task Force to delivering on the mandate given to it by Governor Yusuf through intelligence-led operations, public enlightenment campaigns, rehabilitation programmes, and strategic collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.

He also commended the organisers of the Peace Building Programme for promoting peace, youth development, and community engagement, describing such initiatives as vital to addressing the root causes of drug abuse, violence, and other social vices.

Barr. Muhuyi further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and residents to support the Task Force by providing credible information and sustaining community partnerships aimed at building a safer and drug-free Kano State.

The Task Force Chairman was accompanied to the event by the Commandant of the Task Force and Officer Commanding (OC), Anti-Daba Unit of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Bashir Gwadabe.