NDLEA Aids Over 53,000 Nigerians in Drug Rehabilitation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that it rehabilitated 53,843 Nigerians struggling with drug use over five years, amid rising concerns about the mental health crisis among youth. This information was shared by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, through Assistant Comptroller-General Archie-Abia Ibinabo at the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos.

The agency provided counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation across its 31 centres and conducted 17,213 outreach programs under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Marwa emphasized the strong connection between mental health challenges and substance abuse, noting that many young individuals resort to drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

He stated that the NDLEA's strategy combines enforcement against drug trafficking with prevention and treatment efforts. Additionally, he highlighted the risks posed by technology and social media, which can exacerbate mental health issues and increase vulnerability to substance abuse.