Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has approved the constitution of a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of his administration’s renewed commitment to combating the growing menace of substance abuse and drug-related crimes in Kano State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.

The task force will be chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado the immediate past Executive Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Other members of the task force are:

1. Hon. A.A. Zaura – Member
2. Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA – Member

3. Coordinator, Kiru Reformative Centre – Member

4. Representative, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Member

5. Representative, Ministry of Health – Member

6. Representative, Department of State Services (DSS) – Member

7. Representative, Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command – Member

8. Representative, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) – Member

9. Representative, Nigeria Customs Service – Member

10. Representative, Nigeria Immigration Service – Member

11. Representative, Kano State Hisbah Board – Member

12. Representative, Kano Emirate Council – Member

13. Representative, Council of Ulama – Member

14. Maryam Muhammad, Northwest University, – Member

15. Hon. Sani Isa Romi, Senior Special Assistant Pharmaceuticals – Member

16. Amb. Yunusa Yusuf Hamza- Member

17. DCI Abba Badamasi, (Rtd.) – Member

18. Ambassador Maryam Hassan, LESPADA– Member

19. Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Executive Secretary, Consumer Protection Council – Secretary

20. Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director Research and Evaluation, REPA – Co-Secretary

The state government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.

Under its terms of reference, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, establish secure communication channels for intelligence operations, and encourage community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.

The committee is also mandated to identify major drug distribution points across the state, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.

In addition, the task force will develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary for the establishment of fast-track courts to handle drug-related cases.

On the advocacy front, the task force is expected to lead public awareness campaigns targeting students, youths and vulnerable groups, organize community engagement programmes, collaborate with religious and traditional institutions, and promote rehabilitation and support services for persons affected by substance abuse.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats facing the future of young people and reiterated his administration’s determination to deploy all available resources to tackle the challenge through enforcement, prevention and community participation.

He charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and patriotism in order to safeguard the future of Kano State.

The task force is expected to promptly champion the fight against drug abuse in Kano State.

The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a coalition representing more than 451 civil society organizations across Kano State, has praised the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what it described as his outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Kano State Government and civil society groups.

According to a statement jointly signed by KPCF Lead Convener Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma and Co-Conveners Ibrahim Hassan Gama and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the coalition expressed profound appreciation for Waiya’s efforts in creating a more inclusive and participatory governance environment in the state.

The coalition specifically applauded the revival and repositioning of the Special Assignments Department within the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention that has established a functional platform for engagement, consultation, and partnership between government institutions and civil society organizations, according to the KPCF statement.

KPCF noted that the department’s renewed role has enhanced opportunities for citizen participation in governance and public affairs, while also providing civil society groups with a structured mechanism for contributing to policy discussions and development initiatives, the coalition stated.

The forum further acknowledged the efforts of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in promoting inclusive governance and recognizing civil society organizations as critical stakeholders in Kano State’s development process. According to KPCF, the governor’s commitment to citizen engagement has created an enabling environment for constructive collaboration between government and non-governmental actors.

The coalition stated that under Waiya’s leadership, the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs has initiated several engagements with civil society organizations across the state. These interactions, according to KPCF, have provided platforms for dialogue, policy feedback, and collective action on issues affecting communities throughout Kano State.

According to the coalition, the engagement framework has also created an effective channel through which citizens’ concerns, recommendations, and observations are communicated to Governor Yusuf for consideration and action. KPCF described this process as an important step toward responsive and people-centered governance.

The forum observed that for many years, communication and trust deficits existed between government institutions and civil society actors in Kano State. However, KPCF stated that the civic engagement initiatives championed by Commissioner Waiya have significantly reduced these gaps and fostered a new atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

As a result of these efforts, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance have improved across various sectors, according to KPCF. The coalition noted that stronger relationships between government agencies and civil society groups have enhanced public confidence in governance processes.

KPCF reaffirmed its belief that effective governance can only thrive when government institutions maintain open, transparent, and continuous engagement with citizens and their representative organizations. According to the coalition, the engagement model currently being promoted by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs represents a positive governance framework that deserves recognition and replication.

The coalition also commended Commissioner Waiya for his role in the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths through the Safe Corridor Kano Model Programme. According to KPCF, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing social challenges through sustainable and non-violent interventions.

KPCF stated that the programme has demonstrated a practical approach to tackling youth political violence, thuggery, Daba activities, criminality, drug abuse, and other social vices. The coalition described the initiative as a bold and innovative strategy aimed at fostering peace, security, and social stability across Kano State.

In its statement, KPCF reiterated its support for Commissioner Waiya and called on the Kano State Government to sustain and institutionalize existing engagement mechanisms to ensure that citizens’ voices continue to influence public policies, programmes, and development projects.

The coalition also urged civil society organizations across Kano State to take advantage of the opportunities created by the government’s engagement initiatives. According to KPCF, stronger partnerships between government and civil society are essential for advancing peace, development, accountability, social inclusion, and good governance.

KPCF further pledged its continued commitment to working with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to promote civic participation, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. According to the coalition, collaborative efforts remain critical to achieving lasting progress and improving the welfare of citizens throughout Kano State.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Kano State Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele over alleged defamatory statements made against him.

Mr Kwankwaso, through his legal representatives, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., issued a formal demand letter to the cleric, accusing him of publishing false, malicious and damaging allegations capable of tarnishing his reputation and political standing.

In the letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Magaji Mato Ibrahim, the former governor demanded an immediate retraction and public apology within 24 hours or face a lawsuit seeking N10 billion in damages.

According to the lawyers, the controversial remarks were made by Primate Ayodele during a church service that was recorded and broadcast live to a large audience before being circulated widely across social media platforms and news outlets.

The legal team alleged that the cleric falsely claimed that Mr Kwankwaso was insincere in his relationship with the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, and would eventually betray him.

The letter specifically cited statements allegedly made by Ayodele, including claims that “Kwankwaso is fake to Obi,” that “Kwankwaso will betray Obi,” and that “Kwankwaso has been paid to be Vice President to Obi.”

Mr Kwankwaso’s lawyers described the statements as “false, malicious, deliberate and premeditated,” arguing that they were intended to portray their client as dishonest, deceitful and politically untrustworthy.

They maintained that the comments directly attacked Mr Kwankwaso’s credibility, sincerity and integrity as the running mate to Mr Obi in the forthcoming elections.

“Our client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets, wherein you published malicious and defamatory contents against him geared toward tarnishing his long-earned reputation in Nigeria and beyond,” the letter stated.

The legal practitioners further argued that the alleged publication was designed to damage Kwankwaso’s reputation and create division within the NDC and among its supporters.

According to the lawyers, Mr Kwankwaso has built a distinguished political career spanning several decades, serving as Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator and presidential candidate.

They contended that the cleric’s comments were capable of undermining public confidence in the former governor and causing significant reputational harm.

Consequently, the legal team demanded that Mr Ayodele publish a “full, direct and unequivocal retraction and apology” on all platforms where the alleged defamatory remarks were circulated.

The lawyers also requested a written undertaking from the cleric, committing him to refrain from making or republishing any further defamatory statements against Kwankwaso.

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated 24-hour period would leave their client with no option but to initiate legal proceedings.

“Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you,” the lawyers stated.

They added that the proposed lawsuit would seek damages amounting to N10 billion as well as the full cost of litigation and other reliefs the court may deem appropriate.

As of the time of filing this report, Primate Ayodele had not publicly responded to the allegations or the legal threat issued by Kwankwaso’s lawyers.

Daily Nigerian