In a significant move to combat substance abuse and its associated violent crime, the Kano State Government has announced an ambitious plan to rehabilitate 10,000 drug users over the next year. This initiative, unveiled by Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marks a shift from traditional punitive measures towards a more rehabilitative approach.

Rimin-Gado outlined that the government's strategy will not only focus on arresting drug users but will also emphasize detoxification, rehabilitation, and skills acquisition. The aim is to help these individuals reintegrate into society and become productive members of the community. "Our goal is to take away 10,000 people from the streets within one year. This is a different approach from only taking them to prison. We are thinking about rehabilitation," he stated.

The rehabilitation process will start with detoxification, followed by enrollment in various programs designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills. Rimin-Gado emphasized that training would cover areas such as tailoring, shoemaking, garment production, and other crafts, with plans to expand into additional trades in the future. "We are going to employ a mechanism where we will give training, including different kinds of craftsmanship that they would engage in," he added.

This initiative aims to address the critical link between drug abuse, unemployment, and rising violent crime, particularly gun violence among youths. Rimin-Gado explained, "If you look at our operations, when going after these youths, it is not because we hate them or do not want them. It is because we want them rehabilitated."

Additionally, the Kano State Government is engaging with correctional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that individuals released from correctional facilities can access rehabilitation and skills training. Rimin-Gado noted that drug users would be treated based on the severity of their substance abuse, with some facing prosecution while others may be placed under the care of their families.

The initiative also aims to create economic opportunities by connecting rehabilitated individuals with local markets, thereby reducing drug dependence while bolstering the state’s economy. Rimin-Gado remarked, "We do not only eradicate the issue of drug dependence, drug abuse or gun violence; at the same time, we are building our economic potential."

Despite the challenges ahead, Rimin-Gado expressed confidence in the success of the program, citing the importance of collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, and private-sector stakeholders. He concluded, "It’s a very ambitious project, but at least the government is very determined, and with the national agencies on board, we are going to succeed."