The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns over the alarming rise in drug abuse across North-West Nigeria, with an estimated three million people—12% of the region’s population—impacted by the crisis. This troubling statistic has prompted urgent calls for action to combat both drug abuse and its related social issues, including domestic violence.
At the launch of a four-month campaign against drug abuse, the illicit drug trade, and domestic violence in Kaduna on Monday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the need for stronger policies to address the root causes of these problems. Abbas underscored the importance of both legislative and societal efforts in tackling these crises head-on.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the situation as a major threat to public health, security, and economic stability. He pointed out that the epidemic, predominantly affecting young people, is largely driven by the increasing availability of illicit substances such as cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and morphine. Marwa warned that this drug abuse is contributing to rising addiction, crime, and social instability across the region.
In particular, Kano State has been identified as the most affected, with around 1.07 million people (16% of the state’s population) grappling with substance use. Other states such as Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Jigawa are also seeing concerning levels of drug abuse, further exacerbating public health and security challenges.
Marwa highlighted the direct link between drug-related crimes and the region’s security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He emphasized that this issue goes beyond law enforcement, presenting a socio-economic crisis that demands collective action at all levels.
To address the growing demand for treatment, the NDLEA has established 30 rehabilitation centers across Nigeria, with model facilities in Kano, Abuja, and Adamawa. Marwa also called on North-West governors to set up additional rehabilitation centers in their states to provide better support to those in need. Additionally, the agency has launched a national call center offering confidential help in major Nigerian languages, such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
Speaker Abbas, who is also the convener of the campaign, urged community leaders to take a stand against drug abuse and domestic violence. He shared alarming statistics showing a 28% increase in drug seizures in Kaduna in 2023 compared to the previous year. Similar increases have been observed in other states, including Katsina, Kano, and Sokoto. Abbas also drew attention to the rising incidence of domestic violence, citing data showing that nearly 35% of women across the nation have experienced some form of abuse.
Abbas further commended the proactive measures of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that these efforts must be strengthened to ensure a safer and more secure future for Nigerians. He called for collaboration among governors, local government officials, and law enforcement agencies to combat the crisis and protect the region’s youth from the destructive effects of drugs.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed the importance of involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and parents in reversing the trend. Issa-Onilu highlighted that the campaign would feature town hall meetings, community outreach, advocacy visits, and media engagement to raise awareness and foster collective action.
Marwa also urged state governments to provide land for additional NDLEA barracks and support job creation for young people, citing unemployment as a key factor driving substance abuse and crime. He emphasized that efforts should go beyond enforcement and focus on providing young people with education, employment, and empowerment opportunities to prevent them from turning to drugs and criminality.
This four-month campaign will focus on addressing drug addiction, curbing the illicit drug trade, and tackling related social issues such as domestic violence in the seven states of the North-West region. The goal is to create a safer, healthier, and more stable environment for the people of North-West Nigeria.
