NDLEA Rehabilitates Over 53,800 Drug Users in Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has rehabilitated more than 53,800 individuals in its 31 facilities across Nigeria over the past five years. Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the NDLEA chairman, made this announcement at The Conversation Conference (TCC 5.0), organized by Intersect Consortium.

He stressed the importance of addressing the connection between substance abuse and mental health challenges, noting that untreated psychological issues often lead to drug abuse, particularly among youth. Marwa advocated for increased funding for mental health services, the training of more mental health professionals, and the integration of mental health care into primary healthcare.

He also mentioned the agency's War Against Drug Abuse campaign aimed at educating young people. Additionally, the NDLEA has initiated community-based livelihood programs in three pilot communities to help families reliant on illicit drug cultivation transition to legitimate incomes.

Marwa urged the media to focus more on counseling and rehabilitation efforts rather than solely on arrests and prosecutions.