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National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that the prevalence of drug abuse and trafficking is high in North Central states.
Commander of Zone C, Minna, Aliyu Omba, disclosed this, yesterday, in his keynote to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme ‘Stop Stigmatisation, Descrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ at Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre, Minna.
The NDLEA commander explained that research conducted by the United Nations in 2018 revealed that Kwara State topped the drug abuse and trafficking list with 13 per cent, followed by Nasarawa (11.8 per cent) and Niger (11.6 per cent).
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Omba also stated that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, ranked fourth with 10 per cent, followed by Kogi (9.2 per cent) and Benue (eight per cent)
He noted the menace of drug abuse as a global problem, but at a crisis stage in Nigeria.
According to him, NDLEA under the chairmanship of Gen. Mohammed Marwa (rtd) is doing everything possible to bring drug abuse under control, advising the public to intensify enlightenment on the danger associated with the problem.
He said: “Counselling and rehabilitation of drug addicts would go a long way in addressing the rampant cases of drug abuse in the society. The agency lays more emphasis on preventive measures.”
Omba, however, enjoined stakeholders and society to stop sigmatisation and discrimination of rehabilitated addicts.
NDLEA Commander in the state, Bwalin Musa, had earlier revealed that officers and men of the command were making frantic efforts to track down drug traffickers.
In their goodwill messages, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and House of Assembly Speaker, through their representatives, pledged to support the agency rid the state of illicit drugs.
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