Gov. Yusuf inaugurates quick response squad against drug abuse

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, has launched a Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking operational office, as part of renewed commitment to fight against drug abuse.
 
The governor also launched modern equipment to boost operations of the task force.
 
Speaking at the event on Friday in Kano, Gov. Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress being recorded in the fight against drug abuse across the state.
 
He described the office as a major boost to the state’s campaign against substance abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking.
 
Yusuf said the sustained efforts of the government and its partner agencies were gradually producing the desired results.
 
He said that was another significant milestone in the administration’s determination to confront the menace of drug abuse with stronger enforcement, rapid response, and rehabilitation of affected persons.
 
“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” the governor said.
 
He explained that it would enable the personnel to respond promptly to reports, incidents and emerging threats relating to substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
 
According to him, the fight against substance abuse must not end with arrest and prosecution, stressing the need to provide those apprehended with opportunities to acquire skills and engage in legitimate economic activities.
 
He said the government would continue to support skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes to keep rehabilitated persons meaningfully engaged and reduce the possibility of relapse.
 
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhyi Magaji, reaffirmed commitment to sustaining the onslaught against substance abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.
 
He said the commissioning of the edifice and the provision of modern operational equipment would strengthen their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to drug-related challenges.
 
Magaji assured the governor that they would not relent in their efforts, stressing that the fight against drug abuse requires consistency, determination and sustained collaboration among all relevant agencies.
NAN