The Fight Against Drug Abuse, Cultism, and Banditry in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking and related social vices over the past 54 months. According to the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), the agency has arrested a total of 67,345 traffickers, including 95 high-profile barons. Out of these, 12,415 individuals are currently serving jail terms. These figures highlight the scale of the problem and the efforts being made to address it.
Marwa emphasized that the barons arrested are not just faceless individuals but include prominent business people, socialites, and even government officials. This revelation underscores how deeply entrenched the drug trade is within society. It also points to the need for stronger collaboration between different sectors to tackle this issue effectively.
During a seminar organized by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns, Marwa spoke about the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, and banditry among Nigerian youths. He described the situation as a serious threat to the fabric of society. “That tells how deeply the rot had eaten into the fabric of our society,” he said.
Over the same period, the NDLEA has seized more than 11.2 million kilograms of illicit drugs and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms, primarily in the Southwest region. These actions have been crucial in curbing the spread of drug cultivation and consumption.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA is also focusing on reducing drug demand through various programs. These include school outreach initiatives, community sensitization campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts. Over the past 54 months, the agency has conducted 11,584 sensitisation lectures across schools, workplaces, worship centers, motor parks, and traditional rulers’ palaces. Furthermore, 27,187 drug users have received treatment and rehabilitation through 30 rehab facilities nationwide, with thousands more benefiting from psychosocial support via the toll-free helpline: 080010203040.
Marwa called for a collective effort from families, religious leaders, and community figures to combat the growing menace of substance abuse, cultism, and banditry. He stressed that these issues are interconnected and require a unified approach. “While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive,” he said.
He highlighted how cultism, once limited to tertiary institutions, has now spread to secondary schools and neighborhoods. These groups often lure young people under the guise of brotherhood or protection, leading them into a life of violence and despair. “Tragically, the hands of many of our youth have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power,” Marwa noted.
Despite the grim projections by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Marwa remains optimistic. “As a nation and as communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend,” he assured. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, urging parents, religious institutions, and community leaders to work together to create safe environments for young people.
Investing in youth development is also key, according to Marwa. By creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and skill acquisition, young people can find purpose and meaning, reducing their vulnerability to cults and drugs. “Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop,” he said.
Marwa also called for enhanced security at the grassroots level. Local vigilante groups, when properly trained and coordinated, can play a vital role in disrupting cult activities and preventing violent incidents. Rekindling the moral and spiritual values of society is equally important. Young people must be reminded that dignity lies in hard work, learning, and integrity.
The seminar was well-received, with the Council of Olorituns commending the NDLEA for its efforts. In his welcome address, Chief Adebisi Adeola Alausa expressed gratitude for Marwa’s participation, highlighting the shared commitment to safeguarding the future of the community and the nation.
Senator Lekan Mustapha praised Marwa as a visionary leader, citing his past achievements as military governor of Borno and Lagos, as well as his transformation of the NDLEA into a respected force both locally and internationally.
Marwa also took the opportunity to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, further emphasizing his connection to the community.