By Aminu Garko
Kano, Nov. 14, 2026 , The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has secured 890 convictions and arrested 1,760 suspects since the commencement of its campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the Task Force, ongoing investigations and strategies to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.
According to Rimingado, 63 cases are presently awaiting trial, while about 690 convicted persons are serving sentences in various correctional facilities, while others have been directed to undergo rehabilitation, pay fines or perform community service.
He attributed the achievements to the body’s multi-pronged approach, which focuses on reducing drug demand, disrupting supply networks and addressing street violence and thuggery associated with substance abuse.
He stressed the need to extend the campaign beyond drug users to manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers involved in the illicit drug supply chain.
The chairman recalled the recent seizure of 3.18 million pregabalin capsules by the task force as evidence of the scale of the challenge.
He said investigations indicated that eight out of every 10 suspected drug users arrested in Kano were either found with pregabalin or admitted to using the substance.
He, therefore, expressed the need for stronger collaboration among regulatory and law enforcement agencies to improve the monitoring of controlled pharmaceutical substances and prevent their diversion into illegal markets.
He also emphasised the need for greater transparency in the issuance of import licences to pharmaceutical companies dealing in pregabalin, following its reported rescheduling as a controlled drug by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Sept. 14, 2026.
“The task force was examining importation and distribution records as part of its investigation into the movement of pregabalin within the state,” the chairman said.
He said preliminary findings included an import licence reportedly issued to UGO Lab Production Nigeria Limited on Oct. 23, 2026, as well as business connections involving SEEMARK Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited.
He said the committee is reviewing relevant documents and circumstances surrounding the activities of the companies.
The chairman also raised concerns about pharmaceutical premises registration and regulatory supervision, including a pharmaceutical outlet reportedly registered at No. 10 Apple Avenue.
He stressed the need to ensure that pharmaceutical businesses comply with established regulations and that relevant authorities maintain effective oversight of controlled drug distribution.
Rimingado called for improved coordination between the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to address regulatory gaps and strengthen monitoring of pharmaceutical products.
He noted that “the continued availability of pregabalin on the streets despite restrictions governing its distribution remained a major concern requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.”
The chairman maintained that tackling drug abuse required a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement agencies, regulatory institutions, pharmaceutical stakeholders, community leaders and other partners.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to pursuing all necessary legal and investigative procedures to address violations of existing drug-control regulations.
Rimingado said the committee would sustain efforts to dismantle illegal drug distribution networks, strengthen public awareness and expand rehabilitation programmes to protect residents of Kano State from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
