By Ado Salisu, Kano
The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned the Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira, in a major boost to the state’s campaign against substance abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking.
The commissioning which took place on Thursday, 5th November, 2026, marked another significant milestone in the administration’s determination to confront the menace of drug abuse through stronger enforcement, rapid response, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and effective reintegration of affected persons into the society.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress being recorded in the fight against drug abuse across the state, saying the sustained efforts of the government and its partner agencies were gradually producing the desired results.
According to a statement by the Secretary, Media and Publicly Committee of the outfit, Lamara Garba, made available to newsmen, it quoted the governor as saying: “I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” he declared.
Governor Yusuf said the newly commissioned Quick Response Squad would enhance the operational capacity of the Task Force by enabling it to respond promptly to reports, incidents and emerging threats relating to substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
He also highlighted the significance of the newly procured equipment, describing the investment as part of his administration’s commitment to providing the Task Force and other relevant agencies with the tools required to effectively confront the menace.
According to him, the fight against substance abuse must not end with arrest and prosecution, stressing the need to provide those apprehended and rehabilitated with opportunities to acquire skills and engage in legitimate economic activities.
He said the state government would continue to support skill acquisition and apprenticeship programmes designed to keep rehabilitated persons meaningfully engaged and reduce the possibility of relapse into drug use or other illicit activities.
The Governor commended the c}hairman and members of the Multi-Agency Task Force for their dedication, courage and commitment to the campaign, noting that the achievements recorded within a relatively short period demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders.
Governor Yusuf, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other senior government officials, was taken on a guided tour of the newly commissioned facility and the equipment procured to support the operations of the Task Force.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and the progress made by the Task Force, commending its leadership and personnel for their efforts in confronting one of the most serious threats to the wellbeing and future of young people in the state.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, reaffirmed the commitment of the Task Force to sustaining the onslaught against substance abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.
Rimin Gado said the commissioning of the Quick Response Squad and the provision of modern operational equipment would significantly strengthen the Task Force’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to drug-related challenges and protect communities from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
He assured the Governor that the Task Force would not relent in its efforts, stressing that the fight against drug abuse requires consistency, determination and sustained collaboration among all relevant agencies.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his strong support, political will and commitment to confronting the drug menace in the state.
He said the governor’s continued support had provided the Task Force with the confidence and operational backing needed to intensify its activities and pursue its mandate without fear or favour.
Rimin Gado noted that the fight against drug abuse was not merely an enforcement responsibility but a collective social responsibility requiring the involvement of government, security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, communities, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders.
He therefore pledged that the Task Force would continue to strengthen its operations, deepen collaboration with relevant agencies and sustain its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
He expressed confidence that with the continued support of the Kano State Government and the dedication of all stakeholders, the state would make further progress towards reducing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking to the barest minimum.
