Posted by Chinenye on Fri 09th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
The NDLEA has shared a major achievement in the fight against drug abuse, but behind the success lies a growing concern about the challenges many Nigerians are facing and why more action may be needed.
(NDLEA boss, Mohammed Marwa. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
The NDLEA says it has counselled, treated and rehabilitated 53,843 people struggling with drug use in the last five years.
The work was done across its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
The agency also ran 17,213 outreach programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, campaign.
The aim is to stop drug abuse before it starts and to raise awareness.
NDLEA chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, retired, made the remarks held online.
His message was read by Assistant Comptroller-General Archie-Abia Ibinabo, who heads seaport operations.
Marwa said mental health problems and drug use often go hand in hand.
He said many drug users are dealing with anxiety, depression or trauma that nobody noticed or treated.
So fixing one problem without the other will not work.
He said the agency will keep going after drug traffickers. But it also focuses on prevention, counselling and rehabilitation.
The WADA campaign has taken its message to schools, campuses, markets, churches, mosques, workplaces and communities.
He warned that young people are facing online bullying, pressure from social media and content that makes drug use look cool.
He said traffickers are also using social media to find buyers.
He asked for better online campaigns and for parents and schools to talk openly with children about these issues.
Marwa called for mental health care that ordinary Nigerians can afford, wherever they live.
He also asked for more trained workers, mental health services built into primary healthcare, and stronger teamwork between government, health workers, schools, civil groups, businesses and the media.
He also said stigma keeps many young people from asking for help.
He asked parents, teachers, religious leaders and the media to create a space where young people can speak up.
To young people, he said: "Your struggles are real, but so is your potential.
Seek help early, speak up, look out for one another, and say no to drugs.
Your life is worth more than any substance."