Efforts to check rising cases of drug abuse received a boost in Kano as Zaura Foundation, a philanthropic intervention, intensifies campaign to deradicalize hundreds of youth addicts in the state.

Besides, Kano State Police Command, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) resolved to reduce strength to curb abuse of illicit substances and criminal tendencies in the state.

The renewed efforts of the concerned security agencies followed the assurances pledged by Zaura Foundation to strengthen the agencies through a non-kinetic approach to end drug abuse and other related social vices.

Addressing security stakeholders on Sunday, convener and founder of Zaura Foundation, Alh. Abdulkarim Abdulsalam Zaura, worried over the high rate of abuse of drugs and political thuggery among the younger generation in Kano.

Zaura, a senatorial candidate for Kano Central under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 poll, reminded that unless stakeholders including government, traditional, and religious leaders act collectively to complement security agencies, the negative impact of the security threat may be disastrous.

He asserted the campaign was basically to rescue the youths from the wayward life and restore hope and confidence in their future, adding that no political inclination is attached to the entire motive.

Zaura assured the foundation’s plan to evacuate the youths from the streets for rehabilitation and subsequently provide skill acquisition and education opportunities for the youths to be responsible.

He said, “Our intention is to bring life and message hope to the youths. Our desire is to see a peaceful and progressive society where the streets of Kano are free from thuggery, drug addicts, and where we can go to bed with our eyes closed.

“However, it is our collective responsibility to build a conducive society without youth restiveness. I want to support our security agencies to do more. We have organized dialogue with religious leaders and traditional rulers. They assured us support to fight drug abuse.”

Commissioner of Police, Kano Command, CP Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed efforts of the command to rid the streets of illicit activities of the youths already constituting a security threat.

CP Bakori applauded Zaura Foundation for strengthening the command’s effort through a non-kinetic initiative, adding that providing rehabilitation and empowerment for the youths would check the root cause of the social vices.

On his part, Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, Abubakar Idris, said the dangerous trend of drug abuse in Kano is reaching an alarming rate. He, however, was optimistic that the intervention of the foundation will go the extra mile to reduce the rate.