NDLEA Rehabilitates Over 53,000 Drug Users, Conducts 17,213 Anti-Drug Outreaches in Five Years

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently announced that it has successfully counseled, treated and rehabilitated 53,843 individuals struggling with drug addiction across its 31 rehabilitation centers nationwide over the course of five years. In addition to this, the agency has conducted 17,213 anti-drug outreach campaigns within the same period, as part of their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. These efforts aim to prevent substance abuse and raise public awareness about the issue.

Speaking at the fourth Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, highlighted the close relationship between mental health challenges and substance abuse. He warned that efforts to address one issue without acknowledging the other might hinder support for young people who are affected.

Marwa explained that many young people turn to drugs to cope with emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, emphasizing the importance of strengthening mental health support alongside drug trafficking and abuse prevention efforts.

The NDLEA's intervention strategy focuses on drug demand reduction through prevention, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation. This approach lies at the heart of the WADA campaign, which disseminates anti-drug messages to a wide range of settings, including schools, campuses, markets, places of worship, workplaces, and communities.

However, Brig. Gen. Marwa also pointed out that technology and social media have significantly impacted young Nigerians, exposing them to issues such as cyberbullying, unrealistic social comparisons, excessive screen use, and online content that glamorizes drug consumption. He noted that drug traffickers have also adapted to using digital platforms to reach potential users.

Addressing the theme of the summit, 'Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria through Access, Action and Advocacy', Brig. Gen. Marwa stressed the need for affordable mental healthcare and addiction treatment to be accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their income or location. He called for increased availability of trained professionals, better integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems, and treatment options that would not exclude young people seeking assistance.

Marwa also emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging schools, parents, religious leaders, and the media to create an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help without fear of stigma.

To effectively combat drug abuse and mental health challenges, Brig. Gen. Marwa called for stronger collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media. He urged young people to seek help early, support one another, and avoid drug use, assuring them that their challenges do not diminish their potential.

Marwa emphasized that their lives are worth more than any substance, encouraging them to take action against drug abuse and prioritize their mental well-being.