Gov’t introduces mental health and drug tests for security recruits amid suicide concerns – Interior Minister

Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka announced that the government will introduce mental health assessments and drug testing into medical screening for security service recruits. This move comes in response to concerns about drug use among personnel and recent suicide cases within the services. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Muntaka explained that the decision followed observations of serving officers struggling with drug-related problems, raising questions about how they had passed the recruitment process.

A review of existing medical screening requirements revealed that mental health assessments and drug tests had not been included previously. The government decided to incorporate these additional checks to identify potential challenges early and strengthen the recruitment process. Muntaka stressed the need to address these issues promptly to strengthen the security forces.

The minister also cited suicide cases among security personnel in 2025 and 2026 as a key reason for the intervention. He announced that security agencies must establish dedicated welfare desks to closely monitor officers facing mental health and drug-related challenges. Personnel welfare must extend beyond traditional support measures to ensure those struggling with such issues can be identified and receive proper support.

Concerning drug-related activities among young people, Muntaka highlighted that the Narcotics Control Commission conducted over 2,117 drug education programs across the country in 2025. These programs reached schools, churches, mosques, and organized groups, complementing enforcement efforts with public education. However, he expressed particular concern about a growing trend of secondary school students allegedly selling drugs within their schools.

Drawing a parallel to past practices where pupils secretly sold sweets in classrooms, Muntaka emphasized that this has evolved into students directly engaging in drug sales, rather than merely receiving them from outsiders.