NDLEA declares war on drug abuse in Edo, says state holds 15% prevalence rate

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Thursday declared a total war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State, describing the state as one of the major cannabis cultivation hubs in the country.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, rtd, made the declaration at a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, with the theme, “Addressing the Drug Problems in Edo State.”

Marwa, who said he was personally leading the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, disclosing that Edo State had a drug abuse prevalence rate of 15 per cent.

He said the affected population comprised people between the ages of 15 and 64, adding that Lagos and Kano states recorded prevalence rates of 33 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively.

He described Edo as a major hub for the cultivation, consumption and transit of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA boss, who described the figures as unacceptable, noted that the fight against drug abuse required collective action.

“We cannot do it alone. It is a whole-of-society approach. All stakeholders must join hands, flex muscles, work together, collaborate and defeat this criminality.

“We appeal to parents and guardians to monitor their children’s behaviour and seek early intervention when they notice signs of substance abuse.

“Parents and guardians must monitor their children. You have to monitor them; you know your child and the normal behaviour of the child. When you notice some changes, you know that it is time to interrogate and find out what is going on,” he said.

Marwa advocated the establishment of drug-free clubs and counselling units in schools, while calling on the media to discourage the glorification of drug use by entertainers and other public figures.

The former Military Governor of Lagos State also reiterated his call for compulsory drug tests for intending couples, describing drug abuse as a fundamental problem that must be addressed.

He said the drug scourge did not discriminate based on region, religion, tribe or gender.

In his remarks, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the stakeholders’ engagement provided a platform to review collective efforts and identify gaps in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

Ofoyeju added that the meeting would help chart a sustainable roadmap towards achieving a drug-free Edo State.

“It will also help us to strengthen intelligence and community collaboration for more effective prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation, and enhance public awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs and the need for early intervention.

“I therefore urge everyone to participate actively, share insights freely and contribute meaningful ideas that will further strengthen our resolve and strategies.

“Let us remember that the future of our children, our communities and, of course, our nation, Nigeria, depends on the actions we take today,” he added.

In his goodwill message, the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, said the Army in Edo enjoyed robust collaboration with the NDLEA State Command.

Balogun said that during joint operations, it was often difficult to distinguish between military personnel and NDLEA operatives.

“Most times when we go out on operations, you would not be able to differentiate between the military and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he stated.

On her part, the Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Edo State Governor and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, described drug abuse as a growing threat to families and communities.

Anani said its consequences included health challenges and financial hardship for families struggling to rehabilitate affected relatives.

She commended the NDLEA’s alternative development initiative, which encourages cannabis farmers to adopt legitimate livelihoods, describing it as an innovative approach to addressing the economic drivers of illegal cultivation.

She said Edo was interested in replicating the pilot project and had received a positive response from the agency.

NDLEA declares war on drug abuse in Edo, says state holds 15% prevalence rate