By Abba Anwar
Impressed by the performance of the former Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimingado, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed him to lead a high-powered Anti-Drug Task Force to dismantle drug networks across the state. The body is officially known as the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
From the nature of the appointment and the manner in which it was announced, it is clear that the governor is deeply concerned about the state’s ranking in drug abuse.
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Kano tops the list in the North-West and ranks second only to Lagos nationwide. In the region, Kano has a drug abuse prevalence rate of 16.0 percent, with an estimated 1,070,000 users. Zamfara follows with 13.5 percent (312,000 users), Kebbi 12.6 percent (286,000 users), Katsina 12.0 percent (481,000 users), Kaduna 10.0 percent (462,000 users), Sokoto 9.0 percent (230,000 users), while Jigawa records 7.0 percent (211,000 users).
Kano’s 16 percent prevalence rate, with 1,070,000 users, dates back to 2018, when the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd.), cited findings from the 2018 UNODC National Drug Use Survey.
Governor Yusuf is equally disturbed by the outcome of Operation Sharar Mafaka conducted by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, during which 52 suspects were arrested within two days in April 2026. Also, from 2020 to 2025, a total of 8,983.5kg of illicit drugs were seized, 286 suspects were arrested, and 78 were convicted. These figures were confirmed by the NDLEA Kano Commander, Isah Likita Muhammed, as reported by Voice of Nigeria. It is equally disturbing to note that in 2025 alone, Kano recorded 1,389 arrests, 7,773.06kg of drugs seized, and 94 persons rehabilitated.
Governor Yusuf clearly understands the key trends and what the data reveal. For example, the South-West and North-West remain hotspots for drug abuse, trafficking, and distribution. Lagos records a prevalence rate of 33 percent, Oyo 24 percent, and Kano 16 percent, while the South-West as a whole stands at 22.4 percent.
Concerned by these disturbing statistics, the Kano governor has vowed to confront drug syndicates, trafficking networks, drug abuse, and other crimes associated with illicit drugs.
Beyond demonstrating political will, he sought a strong-minded, fearless, committed, and uncompromising individual to dismantle these criminal networks. Hence, the appointment of Barrister Muhiyi Rimingado, a well-known and fearless anti-graft czar.
The name Rimingado alone sends shivers down the spines of many shameless individuals who benefit from drug trafficking and abuse. Although the governor has made commendable efforts in the past, this appointment further demonstrates his determination to tackle the menace head-on.
Barrister Rimingado’s uncompromising posture and patriotic commitment to serving his people by cleansing the system make his appointment one of the finest made by this administration in Kano.
There is no doubt that the newly appointed chairman of the task force has worked tirelessly to build his reputation. From my knowledge and understanding of him, I am confident he will not tarnish that image. Rather, he will work even harder to consolidate his hard-earned reputation. No two ways about it.
In a recent press statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was made clear that the task force represents an all-encompassing effort aimed at aggressively combating drug abuse and trafficking. Part of the statement reads: “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.”
The task force’s terms of reference give a clear picture of what to expect once implementation begins. I find this particularly interesting: “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.”
When I read another part of the statement, which says, “…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,” I smiled with delight and said, “Barrister Tsayayye is bouncing back again!”
Without mincing words, I can assure everyone that whenever Rimingado strikes, positive outcomes will follow. It is not an overstatement to say that, as we inch towards the 2027 general election, the visibility and enhanced capacity of this task force will undoubtedly strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano. Drug abuse and trafficking have long remained a clog in Kano’s wheel of progress.
Indeed, Governor Yusuf’s political will in appointing Barrister Muhiyi Rimingado is a landmark achievement of this administration. Should this fight succeed, In Sha Allah, the APC will retain its place as the darling of the people of Kano, beyond party lines.
Rimingado alone cannot achieve this objective. A good team is essential for meaningful results and sustained efforts. The governor has therefore made an excellent choice in the composition of the task force. If its members work hand in hand with Barrister Rimingado in genuine synergy, history will remember them kindly.
Your Excellency Sir, Pharm. Ahmad Gana, a renowned campaigner against drug abuse in Kano and the wider North, would make a valuable addition to this all-important task force. He previously headed a similar task force, and his records speak for themselves. I am confident Barrister Rimingado would enjoy working with him, whether as a member of the task force or as an adviser. He is undoubtedly an asset in the fight against drug abuse.
I particularly appreciate this part of the terms of reference, which states: “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.”
I rest my case.
Anwar writes from Kano.
Saturday, 27 June, 2026.
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