Kano bans illicit drug sales, restricts movement in abuse hotspots

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has implemented stringent measures to combat the escalating problem of illicit drug abuse. He signed executive orders banning the sale, trafficking, and abuse of illicit substances across the state and introduced new movement restrictions in identified drug abuse hotspots. The governor also inaugurated a Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force to ensure strict enforcement of these directives.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as a significant threat to Kano's public safety, security, and social stability. The executive orders, effective immediately, prohibit the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions. Furthermore, movement will be restricted between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. in communities identified as centers for drug abuse and criminal activities. "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. It also imposes movement restrictions in identified hotspots to enable security agencies effectively tackle drug-related crimes," Yusuf stated.

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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. It also imposes movement restrictions in identified hotspots to enable security agencies effectively tackle drug-related crimes.

The newly empowered task force will coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, public enlightenment campaigns, and rehabilitation programs. It is also mandated to identify, map, and dismantle criminal gang hideouts and drug dens. Security agencies have been directed to enforce the order without bias, with properties used for illicit drug trafficking facing forfeiture through the revocation of their Certificates of Occupancy. The governor warned that drug abuse fuels violent crime, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect Kano's youth.

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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.