The Kano State Multi Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has recorded major victories within its first three months of operation, arresting more than 400 suspects and securing over 500 convictions.
The taskforce, chaired by Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimingado, was set up on July 22, 2026, by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to tackle the state’s drug crisis and thuggery.
Working with agencies like the NDLEA, Police, DSS, and the Ministry of Health, the taskforce raided black markets and criminal hideouts. They seized large amounts of cannabis, Tramadol, and Pregabalin, including a massive bust of 870,000 bottles of Pregabalin syrup diverted from a manufacturing plant.
The taskforce also tracked down and arrested a wanted gang financier, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim (Malam Keya), in Port Harcourt.
Beyond arrests, the committee focused on rehabilitation, rescuing 43 minors and transferring 125 people to treatment centers. Plans are also underway to train 10,000 vulnerable youths in vocational skills.
Moving forward, the taskforce will use Artificial Intelligence AI to track high level traffickers and launch a 24 hour hotline for public reporting.
Chairman Rimingado warned against political interference, noting that their efforts have led to a 35 percent drop in drug related crimes across Kano State in just three months.
