The Kebbi State Hisbah Agency has arrested three underage Qur’anic school pupils, popularly known as Almajirai, over the alleged possession of hard drugs, raising fresh concerns about the growing involvement of children in substance abuse and other social vices.
The agency disclosed that the suspects, aged between 10 and 13 years, are currently in its custody while investigations continue to determine how they came into possession of the suspected drugs.
The Director of Da’awa and Public Awareness of the agency, Malam Sirajo Usman Kamba, made this known while speaking with journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
According to Kamba, preliminary investigations revealed that the three children are from Niger State and Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
He said the agency had launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the case, including the possible involvement of parents, guardians and teachers responsible for the welfare of the children.
Kamba explained that investigators would examine whether the children were introduced to the substances by adults or other individuals and whether there had been any form of negligence in their care.
He noted that the agency views the case as a serious concern because it involves minors who should ordinarily be under proper parental and educational supervision.
According to him, exposing children to hard drugs threatens not only their health and future but also the safety of society.
“The agency has commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the children’s involvement in the alleged offence, including the roles of their parents and teachers,” he said.
Kamba expressed concern over what he described as the increasing exposure of children to harmful substances and other forms of immoral behaviour.
He warned that if such cases are not properly addressed, they could contribute to rising juvenile crime and other social problems.
The Hisbah official assured members of the public that the agency would handle the matter carefully, with the welfare of the children remaining a priority.
He said appropriate measures would be taken to protect the children, rehabilitate them where necessary and guide them away from harmful influences.
According to him, the agency is committed not only to enforcing moral standards but also to supporting efforts aimed at giving vulnerable children a better future.
Kamba reiterated the agency’s determination to promote moral values across Kebbi State and ensure that children are protected from criminal activities, drug abuse and exploitation.
He appealed to parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to pay closer attention to children under their care and monitor their activities.
He also urged residents to report cases involving child neglect, drug abuse and other harmful practices to the appropriate authorities.
The three suspects remain in the custody of the Hisbah Agency pending the outcome of investigations.
Authorities have not disclosed the type or quantity of the suspected hard drugs allegedly recovered from the children.
They also did not indicate whether additional arrests were expected as the investigation progresses.
The case comes amid growing concerns over substance abuse among young people in different parts of Nigeria.
In recent years, security agencies, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), religious organisations and civil society groups have intensified campaigns against drug abuse, warning that increasing access to illicit substances is affecting children and young adults.
Many child rights advocates have also stressed the need for rehabilitation and counselling for children found in conflict with the law rather than focusing only on punishment.
The Almajiri system, which involves children receiving Qur’anic education under Islamic teachers, has existed for centuries in northern Nigeria.
Traditionally, the system provided religious instruction and moral guidance.
However, over the years, concerns have been raised about the welfare of some Almajirai, particularly those who are left to fend for themselves through street begging or other informal means of survival.
Successive governments and religious leaders have introduced various programmes aimed at reforming the Almajiri education system by integrating formal education and improving the living conditions of pupils.
Despite these efforts, challenges relating to poverty, child welfare and access to quality education continue to affect many children enrolled in Qur’anic schools.
They argue that early intervention, proper guidance and community support are essential to preventing children from falling into drug abuse and criminal activities.
The Kebbi State Hisbah Agency has in recent years intensified campaigns against social vices, including drug abuse, prostitution, gambling and other activities considered contrary to Islamic and societal values.
The agency regularly conducts public enlightenment programmes and works with community leaders to promote discipline and moral conduct.
As investigations continue, residents are awaiting further details from the agency on the outcome of the inquiry and any additional action that may be taken against individuals found to have contributed to the children’s alleged involvement with hard drugs.