From Corruption to Cannabis: As Governor Yusuf Puts Muhiyi, Anti-Graft Czar, in Charge of Kano Drug Crackdown - Abba Anwar
From the nature of the appointment and how it was announced, it is evidently clear that the governor is extremely worried about the position of the state in the drug abuse rating.
As Kano tops the list in North West and second to Lagos across the nation. In the zone Kano is rated at 16.0% prevalence with 1,070,000 users. While Zamfara state is rated 13.5%, with 312,000 users. Kebbi state 12.6%, with 286,000 users. As Katsina state has 12.0%, with 481,000 users. For Kaduna state it is 10.0%, with 462,000 users. As Sokoto state records 9.0%, with 230,000 users. And Jigawa state is rated 7.0%, with 211,000 users.
The Kano's 16% prevalence, with 1,070,000 users is dated back to 2018 when the Executive Chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Gen Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd), quoted from the 2018 UNODC National Drug Use Survey.
Governor Yusuf is disturbed with the result of Operation Sharar Mafaka, by NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, where 52 suspects were captured in 2 days, April 2026. Also also from 2020-202, 8,983.5kg were seized, 286 arrested and 78 convicted. As verified by NDLEA Kano Commander Isah Likita Muhammed, as reported by Voice of Nigeria. It is equally disturbing to know that in 2025 Kano made 1,389 arrests with 7,773.06kg that were seized and 94 rehabilitated.
Governor Yusuf knows clearly the
key trends and what data reveals. For example South-West and North-West are hotspots when it comes to drug abuse, business and distribution network. Lagos with 33%, Oyo with 24% and Kano with 16%. As highest state rates on record, the South-West overall is at 22.4%.
Worried by these disturbing scenarios, Kano Governor vows to fight the syndicate, network, usage and other related criminalities attached to drug abuse.
Not only the political will, he shops for a very strongly minded, virile, no-nonsense, committed to the core and fearless citizen to crush the network and other related activities. Hence the appointment of Barrister Rimingado, a known and a fearless anti-graft Czar.
The name of Rimingado alone sends shivers to many shameless people who benefit from the network of drug abuse and marketing. Yes, the Governor did his best in the past, it is more glaring now that people believe he is all out to crush the menace.
Barrister Rimingado's uncompromising posture and his patriotic commitment to serve his people in cleansing the system, make his appointment to be seen as one of the best appointments in the life of this administration in Kano.
It is without any doubt to believe that, the newly appointed Chairman of the Task Force, has toiled hard to build his reputation. The way I know and understand him, I'm rest assured that he will not dent the image and reputation. He will definitely work hard to further consolidate his hard earned reputation. No two ways about it.
In a press release issued by the Governor's spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa recently, it is clear that, the Task Force is an all-encompassing effort aimed at fiercely fighting drug abuse and businesses. Part of the release says, "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 gives a good picture of what will be the talk of the town, as soon as they start implementation. I find this part interesting, as part of the terms of reference, that, "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, from the release that, "... 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 laughed in joy and said, Barrister Tsayayye is bouncing back again!
Without any fear of mincing words, I can assure all that, when Rimingado strikes positive outcomes will be the product. It is not an overstatement when I say, as we are inching towards 2027 general election, the visibility and enhanced capacity of this Task Force will, for sure, add good substance to the struggle for votes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano. The issue of drug abuse and business, has for long been a clog in Kano’s wheel.
Truly, Governor Yusuf’s political will in appointing Barrister Muhiyi Rimingado is a landmark of this administration. Should this fight succeed, In Sha Allah, the APC will keep its place as the darling of Kano people — beyond party lines.
Rimingado alone cannot make it to the promised edge. Hence good team is a prerequisite for good result and stronger effort. The Governor therefore makes an interesting and good choice in the membership of the Task Force. When they work hand in hand, in synergy, with Barrister Rimingado, history will always remember them.
Your Excellency Sir, Pharm Ahmad Gana, a renowned fighter against drug abuse in Kano and the North, can make a good member of this all-important Task Force. He headed similar Task Force in the past. His records are there. I'm pretty sure Barrister Rimingado will enjoy working with him. As a member of the Task Force or as an Adviser. He is an asset when it comes to fight against drug abuse.
I enjoy this part of the terms of reference, which says, "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, 27th June, 2026
