KANO — The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, has directed traditional rulers across the emirate to apprehend suspected drug offenders and hand them over to relevant authorities for prosecution, declaring that no one should be protected because of status or position.
The Emir issued the directive on Wednesday when he received members of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking at his palace in Gaya.
He said ward, village and district heads had been instructed to take action against suspected drug offenders and ensure their handover to the appropriate authorities, regardless of their social or political standing.
“We have already directed all our ward, village and district heads to apprehend and hand over any suspect to the authorities for prosecution, no matter how highly placed he may be,” the Emir said.
Abdulkadir also disclosed that drug screening had been introduced for individuals being considered for appointments within the Gaya Emirate as part of its zero-tolerance approach to illicit drugs.
The monarch called for the screening policy to be extended to other levels of government, arguing that tackling drug abuse requires more than public awareness campaigns and must include firm action against those involved in drug-related offences.
He described drug abuse and trafficking as a serious threat that requires coordinated action from government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Emir commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for establishing the multi-agency task force and assured its members of the emirate’s support for the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
He also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that suspects found culpable are prosecuted promptly in accordance with the law.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, represented by Dr Aminu Magashi, said the delegation visited the palace to seek the Emir’s royal blessing and support for the task force’s activities.
Magashi disclosed that the task force would soon organise a sensitisation meeting aimed at increasing public awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the task force had recorded some successes since its establishment and expressed optimism that stronger cooperation with traditional institutions would help sustain and expand the campaign.
The Emir’s directive adds traditional institutions in Gaya to the broader efforts by Kano State authorities and other stakeholders to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
