NDLEA: Over 400,000 Youths in Enugu Abusing Drugs

The NDLEA State Command in Enugu also operates a rehabilitation center that has been in existence for the past decade. Currently, it houses about 20 clients, who receive care from a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and counselors.

Enugu, Nigeria – The Enugu State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Abel Sunu Wadahi, has raised an alarm over the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths in the state.

According to Mr. Wadahi, more than 400,000 youths in Enugu are involved in the abuse of various types of drugs, a situation he described as “deeply troubling.”

Mr. Wadahi disclosed this information during a visit to the palace of the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu.

He emphasized that the level of drug addiction among youths in Enugu and its environs has reached an unimaginable scale, with many young people addicted to substances such as cannabis, tramadol, mkprumiri, cocaine, and heroin.

“The rate of drug abuse in the state is unimaginable, and if not addressed urgently, it could lead to dire consequences,” Mr. Wadahi warned. He noted that drug abuse is a significant factor contributing to the rising crime wave among youths in various towns, communities, and schools in Enugu State.

To combat this growing menace, the NDLEA has embarked on a statewide sensitization campaign dubbed “Save Our Family.” The campaign aims to reach every community, school, and public institution in the state to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse.

During his visit, Mr. Wadahi appealed to Igwe Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem/Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom and former Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, to join hands with the agency in its fight against drug abuse. He also introduced the NDLEA’s latest tool in this battle—a drug integrity analyzer capable of detecting up to 15 different types of drugs in individuals. The agency has made the analyzer available for purchase by schools, communities, and families to help monitor and prevent drug abuse among youths.

The NDLEA State Command in Enugu also operates a rehabilitation center that has been in existence for the past decade. Currently, it houses about 20 clients, who receive care from a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and counselors.

In recognition of his commitment to the fight against drug abuse, the NDLEA honored Igwe Asadu with the title of “Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA). In response, Igwe Asadu expressed his gratitude for the recognition and pledged to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse in Enugu State. He assured the NDLEA that traditional rulers across the state would be mobilized to support the agency’s campaign.

“We will take this fight to every corner of Enugu State,” Igwe Asadu stated. “Our youths must say no to drugs like mkprumiri, tramadol, and Indian hemp. This is a collective fight, and we will tackle it with all seriousness.”

The traditional ruler also announced plans to erect billboards across the state to promote the NDLEA’s campaign, using the slogan, “If You See Something, Say Something.” He urged communities, school heads, and families to adopt the NDLEA’s drug integrity analyzer to help curb drug abuse among youths, thereby making Enugu State a safer and healthier place for all.

The NDLEA’s war against drug abuse in Enugu State is expected to extend to the remotest areas, ensuring that the message reaches every youth, community leader, and family in the state.