The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has set a target of rehabilitating and reintegrating 10,000 youths affected by drug abuse and related street criminality.
The task force said the programme will combine rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment, rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecution. It has already referred about 125 people to the Kano State Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation.
Chairman Muhuyi Rimin Gado said demand for rehabilitation has increased significantly, with the Kiru facility reaching capacity. The state government has consequently provided an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to expand the programme.
The task force, inaugurated in July, has also intensified enforcement against drug trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes. It reported more than 380 arrests and over 230 convictions within its first two months of operations. About 43 underage children rescued from drug-related exploitation have also received medical attention, counselling and treatment.
Officials said the rehabilitation programme will include vocational training and efforts to connect beneficiaries with productive economic opportunities after treatment.
The initiative reflects a broader attempt by Kano authorities to address drug abuse through both enforcement and social reintegration.
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