Kano Anti-drug Abuse Agency Seeks Enhance Collaboration with EFCC
The Kano State Multi-Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has sought enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, towards stemming the prevalence of substance abuse in the state and in redirecting offenders on the path of becoming responsible citizens.
The request was made when the Chairman of the Taskforce, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Director, Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday Ebelo, at the Commission's Kano office.
Rimingado, who disclosed that the EFCC was the first agency he sought collaboration with following the previous fruitful working relationship between the Taskforce and the Commission noted that the role of the EFCC was critical to the success and survival of the country.
"I called the EFCC directly because I know the critical role this agency plays. We need your support to synergize and move this nation forward. Our letters will be coming, and we will require your assistance," he said.
He further disclosed that the task force is not only focused on arrests of drug abusers but also on rehabilitating them and redirecting them to becoming productive and responsible citizens as well as sensitizing the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
"We are not against them; we want to better their lives for a better tomorrow. One of them could be our future president or innovator," he said.
Ebelo, who reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to supporting the efforts of Taskforce, noted that drug abuse has a close link to economic and financial crimes.
"Studies have shown that there is a nexus between drug abuse and financial crimes. Drug trafficking is a by-product of illicit financial activities, and we are most committed to working with you to dismantle these networks," he said.
He stated that the EFCC would welcome intelligence sharing regarding individual and syndicate financiers of drug trafficking in the state.
"For us here in the EFCC, I look forward to receiving intelligence relating to those financing these illicit activities. Give us the leads, and I assure you that we will follow them up. We must work together to secure a peaceful society," he said.
Ebelo commended the Taskforce for its recent interception of 116 cartons of illicit substance known locally as "pregabalin," linked to the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in Kano State, noting that such seizures must be complemented with the targeting of the financial backbones of traffickers.
"Arresting and seizing exhibits will not solve the problem. We must dig deep into their finances and go after their sponsors. That is why the EFCC must be involved," he said.
He described the work of the Taskforce as "noble” and urged the agency’s staff and management team to put in their best efforts to ensure a drug-free future for the next generation.
"This is a call to duty, one that will save our children and secure our society. We must sensitize our citizens, redirect the focus of our youth, and ensure that they become useful members of society," he said.
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