The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sounded the alarm over the rising drug addiction crisis in Nigeria’s Northwest region, revealing that approximately three million people are struggling with substance abuse.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), made this disclosure on Monday during the launch of a regional campaign against illicit drug use in Kaduna. The sensitization initiative, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” seeks to address the growing drug menace and its social consequences.
The campaign, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the NDLEA, was initiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaking at the event, Marwa described drug abuse as a significant public health crisis that demands urgent collective action.
”The 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed a disturbing reality: 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use psychoactive substances,” he stated.
He called on state governments, lawmakers, local authorities, and private stakeholders to partner with the NDLEA in tackling the drug epidemic. Marwa also urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to take an active role in prevention, rehabilitation, and ensuring drug traffickers are brought to justice.
“The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of everyone’s parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, pastors, and imams, who must work together to prevent drug abuse, support victims, and ensure traffickers face the full weight of the law”, he emphasized.
As part of its intervention efforts, the NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centers nationwide, offering psychosocial support, medical care, and reintegration services for recovering drug users.
Marwa disclosed that over the past four years, 22,047 individuals have undergone counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation through these facilities.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
