No more business as usual — Kano State has just slammed the brakes on illicit drugs, and the government means business.

In a bold move to tackle what he described as a major threat to peace and security, Governor Abba Yusuf has signed a fresh Executive Order banning the trafficking and abuse of illicit substances across Kano, reports cbinews.tv.

Here’s what’s changed — and it’s big:

Governor Yusuf put pen to paper on Wednesday on the Public Safety Emergency Order on Substance Abuse, which immediately outlaws the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals without a valid prescription.

But that’s not all. The order also imposes a strict movement restriction from **6 pm to 10 am daily** across identified hotspots known as epicentres of drug abuse in the state.

According to the Governor, federal and state security operatives have now been fully empowered to stop, search, arrest and prosecute suspects. And if your property is being used to sell illicit drugs? Your Certificate of Occupancy will be revoked. Simple.

Right after signing the order, Governor Yusuf inaugurated a no-nonsense Anti-Substance Abuse Taskforce Committee to drive the enforcement.

He cited Section 97A of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and CAP 89 of 1991 as the legal backbone for the order, noting that drug abuse is fuelling violent crimes, tearing families apart, weakening the economy and destabilising communities. He said he is particularly worried that a growing number of young people are now hooked on all sorts of illicit substances.

So, what will the taskforce actually do?

Quite a lot. Their brief includes identifying, mapping and dismantling all Daba Gang hideouts, drug dens and territorial enclaves. They are also empowered to arrest, detain and prosecute gang leaders, members, sponsors and financiers behind the illicit trade.

Governor Yusuf has promised to back the team with funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics and solid security support, while still guaranteeing its operational independence.

The taskforce will also lead on intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

Accepting the role, Chairman of the Taskforce, Muhuyi Rimingado, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and assured the people of Kano that the committee would discharge its duties with integrity, professionalism and zero compromise.

He said the group will work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to curb the menace and restore lasting peace.

The high-powered taskforce draws members from the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, as well as representatives of civil society, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the business community.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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