News Investigators/ The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has challenged the Nigerian public to get involved and take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, gave the challenge at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Wednesday in Abuja to mark 2025 World Drug Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the year 2025 World Drug Day (WDD) is: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Brig.-Gen. Marwa said that there was the need for states to be actively involved in tackling the scourge with a view to curbing the menace and preventing young people from falling into the drug trap.
“As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA.
“It is a collective duty, one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public.
“On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations.
“This includes trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim,” Marwa emphasised.
Brig.-Gen. Marwa said that as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, the NDLEA had also continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.
He added that the agency was also modernising its approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in its operations.
“Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities.
“Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.
“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress.
“Earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano.
”At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion,” he added.
Speaking, the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure commended Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria.
Mr Toure, represented by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre.
“Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organised criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities.
“Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts, working with NDLEA and other relevant entities.
“This is to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralised.
“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted.
Mr Toure said they are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
He added that they are also working to enhance regional responses to transnational organised crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.
“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery,” he said.
NAN
