The Niger State Government has expressed concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse, calling for collective action to tackle the menace and safeguard the future of society.

Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba raised the alarm while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated in Minna over the weekend.

The event was themed, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the deputy governor said no nation could achieve sustainable development if its youth population was undermined by drug abuse.

He lamented that a significant number of Nigerian youths were involved in substance abuse, stressing that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s economic growth and future.

“Our emphasis is on young people because they are the future of the nation. However, drug abuse is not limited to youths alone. People of all age groups must be warned against the dangers of abusing drugs,” he said.

Garba advocated the establishment of community-based anti-drug task forces across the state, arguing that the personnel strength of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Niger State is insufficient to effectively tackle the challenge.

“The total number of NDLEA personnel in Niger State is grossly inadequate. Even if all of them are deployed within Minna, they would still be unable to cover all the identified black spots,” he said.

The deputy governor commended the NDLEA command in the state for its commitment and achievements in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse despite operational challenges.

Earlier, the Commander of the NDLEA in Niger State, Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, disclosed that the command seized 10,127.83995 kilograms of various illicit drugs between 2025 and 2026.

He added that within the same period, 187 suspects were arrested, while 173 drug traffickers were successfully prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to correctional centres.

Gwadabawa said the command had also secured a court order to publicly destroy 12,356 kilograms of seized illicit substances as part of efforts to curb the circulation of illegal drugs.

He, however, identified inadequate operational vehicles as one of the major challenges affecting the command’s effectiveness.

“With more operational vehicles, the command will be better positioned to combat drug trafficking and abuse across the state,” he said.

The NDLEA commander also appreciated Governor Bago and the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for approving the construction of a perimeter fence around the command headquarters and a rehabilitation centre for drug-dependent persons.

He, however, appealed to the state government to ensure the projects commence, noting that although approval was granted in 2025, construction work has yet to begin.

The event was attended by representatives of non-governmental organisations, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), school-based drug-free clubs, stakeholders and members of the public.