The Chairman of the Kano State Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, has warned politicians against pressuring the committee to release suspected thugs and drug offenders arrested during its operations. Rimin-Gado said the committee was set up following the governor’s declaration of a statewide public health emergency on substance abuse on July 22. He explained that the task force’s mandate includes arresting drug traffickers, reducing substance abuse, rehabilitating victims and ensuring the prosecution of offenders. The task force chairman said it would rely on intelligence gathering, security collaboration and community participation to combat drug-related crimes. Rimin-Gado also called on media organisations, community leaders and residents to support the fight against drug abuse through public awareness campaigns.