Residents of Bajallabe community around the FCE Gate 1 axis of Kano metropolis have reportedly rejected an alleged ₦10 million bribe and alerted authorities to a suspected drug trafficking operation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when residents reportedly noticed a Golf vehicle allegedly loaded with substances suspected to be illicit drugs parked near a residential building.
According to the Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances in Kano State, community members approached the driver and sought clarification about the contents of the vehicle.
The Task Force said the driver allegedly offered ₦10 million to community representatives and vigilante personnel to prevent further action.
The offer was reportedly rejected, with the residents instead requesting the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
The chairman of the local vigilante group subsequently contacted the Task Force and alerted the Nigeria Police Force, Rijiyar Zaki Division, after tension reportedly developed at the scene.
Police officers responded and took custody of the vehicle and the individuals involved before transferring them to the Rijiyar Zaki Police Division for investigation.
The Multi Agency Task Force said its operatives were also at the scene and were working with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Task Force stressed that the substances recovered from the vehicle remain suspected illicit drugs and that their exact nature would be determined through investigation and, where necessary, laboratory examination.
Commending the residents, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, described their action as an example of vigilance, courage and civic responsibility.
He said the community’s refusal to accept the alleged financial inducement demonstrated the important role residents can play in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Rimin Gado also commended the police for responding promptly and urged communities to report suspected criminal activities rather than confronting suspects or taking the law into their own hands.
The Task Force further said the property where the suspected substances were discovered would be sealed in line with an Executive Order recently signed by the Kano State Government, with further action subject to the outcome of investigations and applicable law.
The agency urged residents across Kano State to report suspicious activities involving the storage, distribution, sale or trafficking of illicit drugs to relevant authorities.
It also called on traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, vigilante groups and community organisations to strengthen cooperation with security and regulatory agencies.
The Task Force said the Bajallabe incident showed that tackling drug trafficking requires cooperation between government agencies, security personnel and local communities.
It assured residents that investigations would be conducted in accordance with due process and that appropriate legal action would follow where wrongdoing is established.