The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested more than 380 suspects since its inauguration on 22 July 2026. It has secured over 230 convictions. The chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, disclosed the figures at a news conference in Kano on Tuesday.
Kano has long been a hub for drug trafficking in northern Nigeria. Pregabalin and tramadol abuse among youths has grown since the 2010s. In 2019, the NDLEA seized millions of capsules in the state. In 2022, the Kano government declared a state of emergency on drug abuse. Previous efforts relied on the NDLEA and the police. The multi-agency task force is a newer approach. It brings together security agencies, traditional institutions and rehabilitation services.
Rimin-Gado said joint operations dismantled drug joints and criminal hideouts. They recovered illicit drugs and dangerous weapons. About 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin were seized from a pharmaceutical company over alleged diversion. Two rubber solution dealers were convicted for exposing about 43 underage children to intoxicants. Those children have been medically examined and are receiving counselling. Efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
About 125 persons were referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation. The facility is now full. The state government has provided an additional rehabilitation facility in Tofa Local Government Area. The target is to remove 10,000 youths from the streets, rehabilitate them and equip them with skills.
Rimin-Gado warned tricycle and vehicle owners against allowing their vehicles to be used for criminal activity. He said such vehicles would be liable to forfeiture. He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society and the public.
Winners: The task force, which demonstrates results. Rehabilitated youths, who gain treatment. Communities freed from drug joints. The Kano government, which shows action. Losers: Arrested suspects and convicted dealers. Drug networks, which lose operatives and product. The 43 exploited children, who bear the scars of exposure. The state, if rehabilitation capacity remains stretched.
Bottom Line: 380 arrests and 230 convictions in two months is a serious enforcement push. The 870,000 Pregabalin capsules show the scale of diversion. The real test is rehabilitation. Removing youths from streets without rebuilding them creates a revolving door. Kano is trying. The capacity is not yet there.