NDLEA flags off campaign as drug abuse hits 3m in Northwest

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised the alarm over the growing drug abuse crisis in  Northwest, with an estimated three million people, 12% of the region’s population affected by the menace.

Speaking at the launch of a four-month campaign against drug abuse, illicit drug trade, and domestic violence in Kaduna Monday, the NDLEA chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the situation as a major threat to public health, security, and economic stability.

Marwa said 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 Northwest, 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 epicentre 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 added 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 has established 30 rehabilitation centres nationwide, including model facilities in Kano, Abuja, and Adamawa.