Salihu Ali, Abuja
The National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria has reported that it has made 31,675 arrests in connection with drug offenses and successfully prosecuted 5,147 individuals over the past 29 months. Alongside these arrests, the agency has also seized over 6.3 million kilograms of various illicit drugs from traffickers during this same period.
The CEO of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired), revealed these figures during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. The event was held in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and marked the commencement of week-long activities in observance of the 2023 World Drug Day. The purpose of this annual event is to mobilize resources, align policies, and inspire collective action against drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking at the briefing, the NDLEA CEO highlighted this year’s theme for World Drug Day: “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” This theme aligns with the agency’s whole-of-society approach to combating the drug menace in Nigeria.
According to Mr. Shadrach Haruna, the Secretary of the NDLEA who represented the CEO, there are still over 11,000 drug-related cases pending in court. Additionally, the agency has provided counseling and rehabilitation to 23,725 drug users, with the majority benefitting from brief interventions.
General Marwa also underscored the importance of striking a balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction. While the agency has successfully targeted drug supply through seizures and arrests, efforts to prevent drug abuse, provide treatment, and support rehabilitation are equally crucial in achieving a drug-free society.
Marwa called on society to eliminate stigmatization, which discourages drug users from seeking help and has detrimental socio-economic consequences for individuals and their families. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of NGOs, development partners, and professionals, including media practitioners, who have supported the NDLEA in its renewed war against drugs.
During the same briefing, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, the Country Representative of the UNODC, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in dismantling trafficking networks involved in the illicit drug trade. He also stressed the need for public awareness and training among primary healthcare providers in order to effectively address drug dependence and provide basic counseling services.
Stolpe commended the NDLEA for its achievements in combating substance abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria. As the fight against drugs continues, it is evident that the agency’s law enforcement efforts and holistic approach are making a significant impact.
