Kano Governor Declares State of Emergency on Drug Abuse

On July 22, 2026, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, declared a state of emergency on drug abuse and signed the Public Safety Emergency on Substance Abuse Executive Order. The decree prohibits the sale of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals without prescriptions and establishes daily movement restrictions from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. within identified drug abuse hotspots.

To enforce these measures, Governor Yusuf inaugurated an Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force led by Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado. The inter-agency body is mandated to dismantle drug dens, prosecute the financiers of criminal gangs known as Daba, and coordinate rehabilitation efforts. The governor further warned that the state will revoke Certificates of Occupancy for any properties used for the sale or trafficking of illicit drugs.

Citing Section 97A of the Penal Code Law of Kano State, Yusuf described drug abuse as a primary driver of violent crime and social instability among youth. During the proceedings, he also asserted that Kano State has the institutional capacity and political will to establish a state police force to complement the Nigeria Police Force once the necessary constitutional frameworks are finalized.