NDLEA's Marwa Urges Action Against Youth Drug Abuse

At a two-day national conference in Abuja, marking the 2026 World Mental Health Day, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marwa, called on parents and schools to take an active role in addressing drug use among young people. The conference, themed ‘Rescue the Youth, Restore the Future: A Fight Against Drug Menace’, was organized by the Civil Society on Mental Health and Drug Demand Reduction (CiSMHeDDR).

Marwa, represented by the Commander of Narcotics/Director of Prevention and Sensitization, Abubakar Alhaji Garba, emphasized the importance of community and religious leaders in openly discussing drug issues to protect youth from harmful influences. He clarified that the NDLEA's drug-integrity testing is intended for early detection rather than exclusion from educational or employment opportunities.

Professor Okafor Prosper, President of CiSMHeDDR, advocated for comprehensive efforts to tackle drug-related challenges, including promoting sound mental health policies and creating safe spaces for rehabilitation.