The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a Special Joint Task Force to curb Urban Crime and Drug Abuse
This followed the increase in violent attacks, phone snatching and gangsterism in the state.
While inaugurating the task force, on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, at the Council Chambers of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Kashim Ibrahim House, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, emphasized the administration’s commitment to public safety and crime prevention, stating firmly that “Kaduna City will not become a haven for gangsters.”;
“The situation we have found ourselves in, though regrettable, can be surmounted with diligence, dedication, and commitment on the part of all relevant stakeholders and community members,”; she said.
The newly inaugurated task force, which will be coordinated by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, is composed of operatives from key federal and state security and enforcement agencies, including: Nigerian Police Force, lead agency, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Others are the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Operation Fushin KADA, Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA)
She explained that the surge in urban crime is linked to various socio-economic pressures and urbanisation, noting that while progress has been made against rural banditry, criminal activities are now shifting into cities.
