By ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has pledged coordinated and sustained action against drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes in the State.
The Secretary of the task force, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday following the maiden meeting of the committee in Kano.
Muhammad said the meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to addressing the growing menace of drug abuse and associated criminal activities.
He said the meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the task force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, and attended by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Tajo Usman; Kano State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr Mustapha (DAG), among others.
Rimingado described the task force as a strategic platform established to provide a coordinated response to drug abuse and illicit trafficking, stressing that its success would depend on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among participating agencies.
He said the task force would focus on intelligence sharing, effective law enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation initiatives and sustained engagement with communities in the fight against drug abuse.
The chairman also said the committee would collaborate with security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, youth groups and community leaders to develop practical measures to protect young people and promote peace and security.
Members of the task force, in separate remarks, pledged their support for the initiative, emphasising stronger inter-agency cooperation, proactive intelligence gathering, community participation and sustained public awareness.
The meeting resolved to strengthen institutional cooperation, develop an operational framework for the task force and commence coordinated activities in line with the directives of the Kano State Government.
The task force called on members of the public to provide credible information and cooperate with relevant authorities in efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit trafficking and associated criminal activities across the State.
