Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned a Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira, as part of intensified efforts to combat drug abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking across the state.
The commissioning took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, marking a new phase in the state government’s campaign against substance abuse through strengthened enforcement, rapid response, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and the reintegration of affected persons into society.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by his administration and partner agencies in tackling drug abuse, declaring that he was pleased with efforts to reduce the menace across Kano.
“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” the governor said.
He explained that the newly established Quick Response Squad would strengthen the operational capacity of the Multi-Agency Task Force by enabling its personnel to respond promptly to reports, drug-related incidents and emerging security threats associated with substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
The governor also described the provision of the newly procured equipment as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to equipping relevant agencies with the necessary tools to confront the growing challenge of drug abuse and protect communities.
Yusuf, however, stressed that the fight against substance abuse should not be limited to arrests and prosecution, insisting that rehabilitation and economic empowerment must remain important components of the government’s response.
He said the state government would sustain skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes to provide rehabilitated persons with opportunities to engage in legitimate economic activities, remain productive and avoid returning to drug use or other criminal activities.
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 cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders.
Yusuf, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other senior government officials, inspected the newly commissioned facility and operational equipment during a guided tour.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, reaffirmed the committee’s determination to sustain its campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Kano State.
Rimin Gado said the Quick Response Squad and newly provided operational equipment would significantly improve the task force’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to drug-related incidents and protect communities from the harmful consequences of substance abuse.
He assured the governor that the task force would remain committed to its responsibilities, stressing that tackling drug abuse required consistency, determination and sustained collaboration among relevant agencies.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for what he described as his strong support, political will and commitment to addressing the drug menace, adding that the government’s backing had strengthened the task force’s operational capacity.
He further emphasised that the fight against drug abuse was not solely an enforcement responsibility but a collective social obligation requiring the involvement of security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents, communities, educational institutions and other stakeholders.
Rimin Gado pledged that the task force would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and sustain its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to reduce substance abuse and illicit trafficking across the state.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the social and security consequences of substance abuse, particularly its impact on young people, families and community safety.
The state government’s approach, as outlined during the commissioning, combines enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration, in recognition that addressing drug abuse requires both security interventions and long-term social support.
The task force expressed confidence that continued government support and cooperation among stakeholders would help Kano make further progress in reducing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.