National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has ranked North Central states highest in terms of drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
Commander of Zone C, Minna, Aliyu Omba, made the shocking revelation on Monday, June 26, while delivering lecture during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme ‘Stop Stigmatisation, Descrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ at Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre, Minna.
He averred that the research conducted by the United Nations in 2018 established that Kwara State was top of drug abuse and trafficking list with 13 per cent, followed by Nasarawa (11.8 per cent) and Niger (11.6 per cent).
Omba continued that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, emerged fourth with 10 per cent, while Kogi (9.2 per cent) and Benue (eight per cent) followed each other.
He therefore described the prevalence of illicit drugs is wreaking a huge havoc on the global population, saying it is at a crisis stage in Nigeria.
The NDLEA commander noted that the chairman of the anti-narcotic agency, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa is exploring every available avenue to stop the surge of drug abuse and trafficking.
He also urge the public to educate the youths on the health implications of illicit drugs.
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 also advised the public not to stop sigmatise or discriminate any drug dependent person.
Also speaking, the state NDLEA Commander, Bwalin Musa, revealed that operatives in the command are intensifying the fight against drug traffickers.
