The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested 28 suspects and recovered assorted illicit substances in Rimin Gado and Doka communities of the State.

This is contained in a statement  by the Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Muhuyi Malawi and issued by the Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad on Sunday in Kano.

Magaji, who led the operation, said it was aimed to tackle drug-related criminality and protect communities from the effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Aug. 7, the task force raided five drug joints in Rimin Gado and Doka in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

The targeted operation was aimed to demonstrate the task force’s impartial enforcement mandate and to send a clear message that no one is above the law.

“We are treating every community equally and enforcing the law without bias.

“Our guiding principle is Kano First and we are determined to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and drug-free state inline with the vision of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf,” he said.

Magaji said the task force recovered various assorted illicit substances during the raids.

He said  that he commenced the operations from his hometown Rimin Gado saying it was deliberate and symbolic.

“Sanitising my own community is the first step to a wider campaign,” he added.

He said that the campaign would be extended beyond Kano Metropolis to all  44 Local Government Areas of the state.

The chairman noted that the operation combined kinetic interventions to disrupt criminal activities with coordinated follow-up.

He said the task force would also adopt a balanced approach that would combine enforcement with prevention and recovery.

“While kinetic measures continue to dismantle illicit drug networks, non-kinetic efforts are being intensified through engagement with community leaders, regulatory bodies, health services and educational partners to raises awareness.

“We’ll also strengthen supply‑chain controls and expand rehabilitative support to those affected by substance use” Magaji said.

He stressed that lawful and legitimate businesses were not the target of the operations.

“Our aim is to protect honest traders and create an environment in which businesses and communities can thrive free from the effects of drug trafficking and abuse” he said.

Magaji said investigations were ongoing and suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to support the ongoing operations by reporting suspicious activities and provide relevant information on drug trafficking and abuse.

The Chairman reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustain its operations, uphold professional standards and safeguard the health and security of residents across the state.

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted abour 17,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, on Saturday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER made the interception during ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations within its Area of Operation.

“During the operation, a speedboat conveying the suspected illegally refined petroleum product was intercepted along the Onne/Okrika waterways.

“The recovered speedboat and the suspected illegally refined AGO were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures.

“Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend those connected with the illegal activity.”

The naval spokesperson said that the latest operational success further demonstrated the navy’s sustained commitment to disrupting the illicit petroleum supply chain.

He said it also denied economic saboteurs freedom of action, while protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure from criminal exploitation.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to combat crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage, while safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and supporting national economic security.