BREAKING: Rimin-Gado Draws Battle Line, Tells Politicians ‘Don’t Ask Me To Free Thugs

Rimin-Gado issued the warning on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with media executives and journalists in Kano, stressing that the task force would not bow to political pressure in carrying out its mandate.

He declared that no individual, regardless of political influence or status, would be allowed to interfere with the agency’s operations.

“No politician should approach me to release any thug if we arrest one. This is Kano, and we all have a responsibility to protect the future of our state. We will not allow a few individuals to destroy it,” he said.

He added that only Governor Abba Yusuf could request the release of a suspect, noting that such a directive would amount to a signal for him to step down.

“The only person who can ask me to release anybody is the Governor. If he does so, it simply means he is indirectly asking me to resign,” he stated.

The multi-agency committee, inaugurated by Governor Yusuf, comprises representatives of various security agencies and was established to tackle drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and gang-related violence across Kano State.

According to Rimin-Gado, the task force was set up after the governor declared substance abuse a public health emergency in the state.

He explained that the committee has been tasked with dismantling drug trafficking networks, reducing substance abuse, rehabilitating affected individuals, and ensuring offenders face prosecution.

“Our primary focus is on drug traffickers because they are among the greatest threats to society. At the same time, we are working to strengthen rehabilitation programmes and encourage community participation in addressing the problem,” he said.

Rimin-Gado further disclosed that data from the Kano State Police Command indicated that nearly 70 percent of major crimes recorded in the state in 2025 were linked to drug abuse.

He noted that the alarming figures underscored the need for decisive action, adding that the state government established the task force to curb the growing menace and improve public safety.