Kano Task Force Pins 70% of Major Crimes on Drug Abuse

The head of Kano State's Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse has attributed the majority of serious crimes in the state to drug-related activity. Muhyi Magaji Rimingado, who chairs the committee established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, told journalists this week that seven out of every ten major crimes recorded in Kano connect to substance abuse.

He cited police data showing approximately 3,080 arrests for significant offences in the past year, with roughly 70 percent involving drugs. Rimingado said violent acts including armed robbery and gang activity stem directly from drug use and trafficking.

He called on parents and political leaders to take responsibility for supervising young people and supporters, framing drug abuse as a community-level problem requiring family and leadership intervention. The task force chairman used the media engagement to send a clear signal to political figures: the committee will not yield to pressure to release arrested suspects.

Rimingado announced that anyone—politician or influential person—who attempts to intervene on behalf of detained drug offenders or gang members will be publicly identified. He said the committee intends to execute its mandate without fear, favour, or political interference.

The task force operates under a public health emergency declaration made by the governor. Rimingado requested media support for public awareness campaigns against substance abuse, illicit trafficking, and gang-related violence.

He did not detail specific rehabilitation or treatment programmes the state intends to implement alongside enforcement efforts.