Bajallabe residents reject alleged ₦10m bribe, foil suspected drug trafficking operation in Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
Residents of Bajallabe community around the FCE Gate 1 axis of Kano metropolis have been commended for rejecting an alleged ₦10 million inducement and alerting security authorities to a suspected drug trafficking operation in the area.
The commendation was made by the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances following the discovery, in the early hours of Tuesday, of a Golf vehicle allegedly loaded with substances suspected to be illicit drugs and parked near a residential building alongside a motorcycle.
According to the Task Force, residents who became suspicious of the vehicle approached its driver and demanded clarification about its contents.
The driver allegedly offered ₦10 million to community representatives and vigilante personnel in an attempt to have the matter overlooked.
This was contained in a statement signed by my Lamara Garba, mnipr
Member, Media & Publicity Committee Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances, Kano State,on Tuesday,a copy made available to press in Kano
However, the community members reportedly rejected the offer and insisted that the appropriate authorities be invited to investigate the matter.
The chairman of the local vigilante group subsequently contacted the Multi Agency Task Force and also alerted the Nigeria Police Force, Rijiyar Zaki Division, as tension reportedly began to rise at the scene.
Police personnel responded promptly, took custody of the suspected vehicle and the individuals involved, and transferred them to the Rijiyar Zaki Police Division for further investigation.
Operatives of the Multi Agency Task Force also visited the scene and are collaborating with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The Task Force stressed that the substances recovered from the vehicle remain suspected illicit substances, pending appropriate investigation and, where necessary, laboratory examination to determine their precise nature.
Chairman of the Multi Agency Task Force, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, commended the residents and vigilantes for demonstrating courage, vigilance and civic responsibility.
He said their refusal to compromise the investigation despite the alleged financial inducement demonstrated the important role communities could play in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Rimin Gado also commended the Nigeria Police Force, Rijiyar Zaki Division, for its prompt response, saying the community’s decision to involve law enforcement rather than taking the law into its own hands was essential for maintaining peace and ensuring due process.
The Task Force further disclosed that, in line with the Executive Order recently signed by the Kano State Governor, the property where the suspected substances were discovered would be sealed, while other necessary measures would be taken in accordance with the provisions of the order.
It urged residents across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities relating to the trafficking, distribution, storage or sale of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances to the appropriate authorities.
The Task Force cautioned members of the public against confronting suspected offenders or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that credible information should be channelled through relevant law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
It also called on traditional and religious leaders, market associations, youth organisations, vigilante groups and community development associations to strengthen cooperation with government and security agencies in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
According to the Task Force, the Bajallabe incident has demonstrated that the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government and law enforcement agencies alone, but requires active participation from communities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities across Kano State to build a safer, healthier and drug-free society, assuring the public that all necessary steps were being taken to ensure proper investigation and the administration of justice.
Signed: