The Niger State Government has expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse, stressing that collective efforts are needed to tackle the menace and build a healthier society.

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

The event was themed: “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Representing Governor Umaru Bago, Garba said no nation could secure a better future if its youths were neglected, lamenting that many Nigerian youths were abusing drugs.

“We emphasise youths because they represent the future and economic prosperity of the nation. However, people of all age groups should be cautioned against drug abuse,” he said.

He advocated the establishment of anti-drug task forces in communities, noting that the number of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) personnel in the state was grossly inadequate.

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

The deputy governor commended the NDLEA command for its achievements in combating drug trafficking and abuse.

Earlier, the Commander of the NDLEA in the state, Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, disclosed that the command seized 10,127.83 kilogrammes of illicit substances between 2025 and 2026.

He said 187 suspects were arrested, while 173 drug traffickers were successfully prosecuted and convicted.

According to him, the command has also secured a court order to publicly destroy 12,356 kilogrammes of seized illicit substances.

Gwadabawa identified inadequate operational vehicles as a major challenge affecting the command’s efficiency.

He also thanked NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and commended Governor Bago for approving the construction of the command’s perimeter fence and a rehabilitation centre.

He, however, noted that although approval was granted in 2025, work on the projects has yet to commence.