From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the growing drug abuse crisis in the North-Western region of Nigeria, with an estimated three million people—12% of the region’s population—affected by the menace.
Worried by the alarming statistics, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, called for the enactment and enforcement of policies that will address the root causes of the twin challenges of drug abuse and domestic violence.
Speaking at the launch of a four-month campaign against drug abuse, illicit drug trade, and domestic violence in Kaduna on Monday, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the situation as a major threat to public health, security, and economic stability.
According to Marwa, the crisis, which largely affects the youth, is being driven by the increasing availability of illicit substances such as cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and morphine. He said the North-West, like other regions of Nigeria, is battling a surge in addiction, crime, and social decay, with effects rippling across families, schools, and communities, leading to lost productivity, financial strain, and heightened insecurity.
A breakdown of the figures reveals Kano State as the epicenter of drug abuse in the region, with 16% of its population—about 1.07 million people—affected. Zamfara follows with 13.5%, while Kebbi (12.6%), Katsina (12%), Kaduna (10%), Sokoto (9%), and Jigawa (7%) also record worrying levels of substance use.
Marwa noted that the region’s rising drug-related crimes are fueling insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He stressed that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but also a socio-economic and public health challenge that demands urgent, collective action
In response, Marwa said the NDLEA had established 30 rehabilitation centers nationwide, including model facilities in Kano, Abuja, and Adamawa. He also called on governors in the North-West to set up at least three additional centers in their states to meet the growing demand for treatment.
The agency has also set up a national call center offering confidential support in major Nigerian languages—Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo—to encourage those struggling with addiction to seek help without fear of stigma.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who was also the Convener of the Campaign, also called on community leaders to foster a culture that unequivocally rejects drug abuse and domestic violence.
He lamented that “in Kaduna State alone, NDLEA statistics indicate a 28 percent increase in drug seizures in 2023 compared to the previous year, while similar troubling trends have been observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi. In these states, law enforcement agencies are contending with a surge in the availability and consumption of illicit substances, which threatens public safety and undermines socioeconomic stability.
“Equally concerning is the scourge of domestic violence that continues to ravage families and communities across our nation, particularly in our region. Data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and reports from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development reveal that nearly 35 percent of women nationwide have experienced some form of domestic violence,” he said.
While noting that the proactive and strategic measures already implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration stand as a robust framework for change, saying that it must be built upon to create a safer and more secure future for every Nigerian.
“I call upon all the Governors of the Northwest States and their Local Government Chairmen to wholeheartedly support this initiative and work in unison with the agencies charged with its execution.
“The future of our region depends on the decisive actions we take today. Let us unite our efforts to protect our youth from the destructive allure of drugs and uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen,” he appealed.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the campaign as a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of drug abuse and crime.
He said “the involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community members is critical in reversing the trend.
Issa-Onilu also announced that “ the campaign would include town hall meetings, community outreach, advocacy visits, and extensive media engagement to raise awareness across the region.”
Marwa further urged state governments to support the NDLEA by providing land for additional barracks and expanding job opportunities for young people, noting that unemployment is a key driver of substance abuse and crime.
He stressed that efforts must go beyond enforcement, adding that young people need alternatives—education, employment, and empowerment—to steer them away from the lure of drugs and criminality.
The four-month campaign will focus on tackling drug addiction, curbing illicit drug trade, and addressing related social issues such as domestic violence in the seven states of the North-West geo-political zone.
