The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has revealed that approximately three million people in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone are struggling with drug addiction, highlighting the urgency of intervention in the region.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, made this disclosure on Monday in Kaduna during the launch of a sensitization campaign against illicit drug use.
The initiative, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” is aimed at curbing the devastating impact of substance abuse and related social issues.
“The challenge we face is a major public health crisis,” Marwa stated. “The 2018 National Drug Use Survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime painted a troubling picture, showing that 14.3 million Nigerians between 15 and 64 years old use psychoactive substances.”
According to Marwa, the North-West region—comprising Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto—has been significantly affected, with Kano State recording the highest prevalence rate of drug use at 16%.
“With an estimated population of 25 million as of 2016, the North-West remains the most populous region in Nigeria,” he noted. “The survey estimated that 12% of the population—approximately three million people—are drug users.”
The NDLEA boss emphasized the need for collaboration among state governments, legislators, community leaders, and private stakeholders to combat drug abuse effectively.
“The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of everyone—parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies. We must work together to prevent drug abuse, support those affected, and ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable,” he urged.
Marwa also revealed that the NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres across the country, which have provided treatment and support to over 22,000 individuals in the past four years.
To further strengthen rehabilitation efforts, he called on governors in the North-West to establish at least three rehabilitation centres in their states, ensuring accessibility in each senatorial district.
“We urge state governments to support this initiative. Some states have already provided land and logistical assistance for NDLEA operations, and we encourage others to follow suit,” he added.
Recognizing the economic drivers behind drug-related activities, Marwa announced the establishment of an Alternative Development Unit to provide alternative sources of income for those involved in the cultivation and distribution of illicit substances.
“The UNODC has commended us as the first in Africa to implement this initiative,” he noted. “We must provide sustainable economic opportunities to discourage illicit drug trade.”
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, officially launched a four-month campaign aimed at tackling drug abuse and violent crimes in the region.
“Drug abuse is not just a national challenge; it is a crisis threatening the very fabric of our society,” Issa-Onilu said. “There is a direct link between substance abuse and violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic violence, and sexual assault. We must act decisively to break this cycle.”
He commended the NDLEA’s efforts and urged stakeholders at all levels—federal, state, and local—to collaborate in dismantling criminal networks and promoting rehabilitation programs.
“We must mobilize our communities, especially our youth, to reject drug culture and criminal activities,” Issa-Onilu added. “Together, we can create a safer, drug-free North-West.”
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who facilitated the initiative. Also present were traditional and religious leaders, community elders, youth groups, and civil society organizations, all pledging their commitment to the fight against drug abuse.
As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders emphasized the need for sustained action beyond the flag-off event, calling for long-term policies and community-driven initiatives to tackle the menace of drug addiction in Nigeria.
“Let us reinforce our commitment to a drug-free Nigeria, one community at a time,” Marwa concluded. “With determination and the right policies, we can defeat this scourge and build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous nation.”
