The Kano State Government says it has arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions within the first two months of its intensified campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Governor Abba Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while addressing residents at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.
Yusuf said the state government established the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in July 2026 and issued an Executive Order to strengthen the fight against illicit substances, thuggery and other related criminal activities.
“We have arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions in the first two months of the state’s intensified campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” the governor said.
He said the task force had also dismantled drug joints and criminal hideouts across the state as part of its enforcement operations.
The figures are consistent with an earlier disclosure by the task force chairman, Muhuyi Gado, who said in September that more than 380 suspects had been arrested and over 230 convictions secured since the task force was inaugurated on July 22.
According to the governor, the fight against drug abuse and criminality requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, communities, parents and citizens.
Yusuf urged young people to reject drug abuse, violence and criminal activities, while encouraging them to pursue education, agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, vocational training and the creative industries.
He also called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies to assist in preventing and tackling criminal activities across the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based intelligence and addressing social challenges contributing to crime and insecurity.
Meanwhile, the task force has combined enforcement operations with rehabilitation and public sensitisation initiatives. Its chairman had earlier disclosed that about 125 people were referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation.
Yusuf said the government would continue to pursue measures aimed at creating a safer environment where young people can engage in lawful enterprise and contribute to the development of Kano State.