Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Kano State Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Gang-Related Violence, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has raised the alarm over the devastating impact of substance abuse on public security, revealing that approximately 70.2 per cent of more than 3,080 major crime arrests recorded by the police last year were linked to drug abuse. Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Magaji warned that drug abuse has become the primary driver of criminal activity across the state, fuelling everything from theft and violence to the deadly clashes of the notorious 'Yan Daba gangs.
The task force chairman disclosed that the committee was established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who declared a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22, 2026, before signing an executive order to tackle thuggery and other criminal activities. The multi-agency committee, which brings together representatives of security agencies, has a mandate to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs, rehabilitate victims of substance abuse, and ensure the prosecution of drug traffickers. Magaji stressed that the scale of the problem demanded an urgent and coordinated response, noting that drug abuse had become "a menace bedevilling our society".
Explaining the link between drugs and crime, Magaji said substance abuse often directly triggers criminal behaviour. "Drugs are synonymous with crime. When people are high on drugs, they tend to engage in criminal activities such as stealing, violence and other offences," he said. He also drew a direct connection between drug consumption and the activities of violent groups popularly known as 'Yan Daba, describing them as a by-product of the drug crisis. "The Daba issue is a by-product of drug abuse. In many cases, these violent clashes and reprisal attacks are influenced by drugs," he declared. The 'Yan Daba, a network of politically-linked thugs, have long terrorised communities across Kano, engaging in street violence, phone snatching, burglary, and political intimidation.
The task force chairman also issued a stern warning to politicians and parents attempting to shield arrested suspects from facing justice. Magaji expressed concern that such interference could seriously undermine efforts to restore public safety. "It is unfortunate that some parents always claim their children are innocent even when they are caught committing offences. Some politicians also interfere and try to secure the release of suspects. This must stop," he said. He vowed that the committee would operate without fear or favour, declaring: "This committee was created to fight this menace. It is not for jokes, and I am serious about it. No politician can interfere with our work. There will be no compromise".
The task force will enforce the executive order outlawing violent gangs in the state, with membership of any proscribed group attracting a minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment under Section 97A of the Kano State Penal Code. Magaji called on media organisations, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, and residents to actively support the state's campaign against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and gang violence. "This fight is not for the committee alone. It requires the support of the media, community leaders, parents and every resident of Kano. Together, we can protect the future of our state," he said. He also urged parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring and guiding their children to prevent them from becoming involved in drug abuse and criminal activities.
The task force's revelations come amid growing concerns over the escalating drug crisis in Northern Nigeria, where young people have increasingly fallen victim to substance abuse. Governor Yusuf had previously described drug abuse as "one of the greatest threats confronting Kano's youthful population," warning that the menace fuels violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability. As the task force intensifies its operations, the coming months will test the political will of the state government and the resolve of security agencies to dismantle the drug networks that have long thrived with impunity. For the people of Kano, the hope is that this renewed offensive will finally break the cycle of addiction and violence that has held the state captive for far too long.
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