Kano task force reports 380 arrests and 230 convictions

Kano State’s Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking says it arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions during its first two months. Chairman Rimin Gado disclosed the figures at a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday. Gado said joint operations had targeted drug outlets and criminal hideouts in areas including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and Tashar Rimi.

Authorities recovered Cannabis Sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine, Tramadol and Pregabalin, as well as locally made knives, cutlasses, daggers and clubs. The task force also said about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules were seized from a pharmaceutical company. Gado urged pharmaceutical businesses and pharmacists to tighten controls over controlled medicines and cooperate with investigations.

Forty-three children rescued from drug-related exploitation received medical care, counselling and treatment, he said. Two dealers were convicted for exposing the children to intoxicants; some families had been reunited with them. Gado said 125 people had been referred to the Kano State Reformatory Institute in Kiru, which had reached capacity.

An additional facility was provided in Tofa Local Government Area, while the task force targets 10,000 youths for rehabilitation, skills training and reintegration. He also said a case involving former Rogo local government chairman Yahuza Musa over alleged illegal Pentazocine administration remained before a court. The task force reported convictions linked to thuggery and phone theft, including forfeiture of a tricycle allegedly used in crime.