Kano orders curfew, property seizure in anti-drug drive

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed executive orders banning the sale, trafficking and abuse of illicit substances across the state, while imposing movement restrictions in communities identified as drug abuse hotspots.

The governor also inaugurated a Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to enforce the directives, describing substance abuse as a major threat to public safety, security and social stability.

Speaking at the Government House in Kano, Yusuf said the executive orders took immediate effect and prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions.

He announced a curfew restricting movement between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. in areas identified as centres of drug abuse and criminal activities to enable security agencies tackle drug-related crimes.

“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,” the governor said.

He added that security agencies had been authorised to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders, while properties used for illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities risk forfeiture through the revocation of their Certificates of Occupancy.

“The security agencies have been directed to enforce this order without fear or favour. Any property found to be used for the sale or trafficking of illicit drugs risks forfeiture through the revocation of its Certificate of Occupancy,” Yusuf said.

The governor explained that the executive orders were issued under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code Law, Cap 89 of 1991, which empowers the state government to take measures to protect public safety.

He described drug abuse as one of the biggest challenges facing young people in the state, noting that it fuels violent crime, destroys families, weakens the economy and threatens social stability.

According to Yusuf, the newly inaugurated task force will coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.

The committee has also been mandated to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts, illicit drug dens and other locations linked to drug trafficking across the state.

Responding on behalf of the task force, its chairman, Muhuyi Rimingado, pledged that members would carry out their responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.

He said the committee would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community groups to combat drug abuse and restore peace across 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, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and the business community.