By Ibironke Ariyo.
Drug and substance abuse, drug trafficking and related criminal activities remain serious problems affecting the lives of a significant number of Nigerians and are the most prevalent problems in the country today.
The Nigeria Drug Use Study, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), found a prevalence of drug use of 14.4 percent among Nigerians aged 15 to 64, which is almost three times the corresponding global prevalence of drug use of 5.5. to the percent.
Drug use is most common among people aged 25 to 39, and the survey also found that almost 3 million people in total suffer from drug use disorders.
These statistics have since given Nigeria a bad image around the world as Nigerian travelers are subjected to poor treatment when traveling abroad.
Concerned about this negative reputation, President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency, developed a system that combined prevention, treatment and repression to break the cycle of drug abuse and crime.
Speaking during the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Tinubu said his administration would work closely with the NDLEA and its international partners to combat the menace of drug abuse.
He urged stakeholders to adopt a people-centred approach in addressing drug addiction, saying that drug addicts are also people who deserve understanding and support to recover from the downward spiral of drugs.
“I want to assure everyone, including our local and international partners, of this government’s unwavering support in sustaining drug control efforts,” he said.
The President also said that interventions to combat drug use and its associated consequences must take into account the individual and address the social stigma associated with the threat.
He said people struggling with substance abuse often face barriers to accessing health care and social services in society to address their drug problems.
Therefore, he said that interventions to combat drug use and its associated consequences must take these individuals into account.
According to him, it is necessary to eliminate both social and structural stigma, which is one of the most common barriers to accessing support and services.
He urged those involved to educate themselves and others about the dangers of drug abuse and the need to end stigma and discrimination.
“We must equip our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the resources they need to avoid falling victim to drugs,” Tinubu said.
The NDLEA has since launched nationwide police operations to seize drugs and arrest drug addicts.
The agency also strengthened its sensitization, rehabilitation and border patrol programs to control illicit drug trafficking to and from Nigeria.
The NDLEA waged a tireless campaign against drug trafficking networks, resulting in unprecedented successes.
The agency’s latest report reveals the arrest of 52,901 drug sellers/traffickers, including 48 barons, and the conviction of 9,034.
The report included the seizure of over 7,561,000 kg of illicit drugs, 958 billion naira in cash and drugs seized across the 36 states and the FCT.
NDLEA FCT Commander Kabir Tsakuwa said that in 2023 alone, the agency arrested more than 500 suspects and seized more than 7,000 kilograms of various drugs, in addition to convicting more than 200 criminals.
Tsakuwa said the agency arrested about 80 suspects with more than 3,000 kilograms of various drugs in the first quarter of 2024.
He said more than 50 people were prosecuted and 12 suspects were found guilty and sentenced to different prison terms.
The NDLEA’s efforts go beyond mere law enforcement, as demonstrated by its proactive approach to combating drug cultivation through initiatives such as the Search and Destroy Cannabis Plantations Campaign.
This approach resulted in the destruction of more than 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis plantations.
The agency also counseled and rehabilitated more than 32,404 drug users, and the federal government seized 948 homes, vehicles and other property.
Meanwhile, retired NDLEA President and CEO, Brig. General Buba Marwa commended the President for his continued support to the ongoing efforts to curb the scourge of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Marwa noted that the current government has only shown support to the agency in the fight against illegal drugs and substance abuse, trafficking and street vending.
Marwa noted that the agency expects some positive developments that would give impetus to the achievement of the objectives set under the leadership of President Tinubu.
“One of these developments is the amendment to the NDLEA law, which will significantly improve our agency’s organizational capacity to reduce drug supply.
“The hearing of the amended bill in the National Assembly is progressing and we hope this will clear the final hurdle,” he said.
Tsakuwa also commended the Tinubu administration, saying his support to the agency has helped the command record high levels of success in efforts to rid the FCT of the drug menace.
Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) celebrated the achievements of the NDLEA, describing it as a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration.
HURIWA commended NDLEA’s achievements, recognizing them as the most significant in its history and a testament to effective leadership and strategic partnerships.
“NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership is a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration,” the group said.
The association noted that the agency’s achievements under Marwa reflected concerted efforts to implement the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
“NDLEA’s proactive measures, including the open destruction of illegal drugs seized in accordance with court orders, demonstrate transparency and accountability in its operations,” HURIWA said.
Also Read
VGADA urges FG to prioritize children’s mental health
AKH-TRACADA urges FG to step up fight to protect children’s rights
