The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has counselled, treated and rehabilitated 53,843 persons struggling with drug use in its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide over the past five years.
The agency also conducted 17,213 outreaches under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to raise awareness and prevent substance abuse.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this at the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos on Friday, where he stressed the strong link between substance abuse and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and trauma.
Represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General, Archie-Abia Ibinabo, Marwa said tackling drug abuse required more than arrests and prosecution, calling for increased investment in prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
He warned that cyberbullying, excessive screen time, unrealistic social comparisons and online content promoting drug use were exposing young Nigerians to mental health risks. He also cautioned that drug traffickers were exploiting digital platforms to reach potential users.
Speaking on the summitโs theme, โAdvancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria through Access, Action and Advocacy,โ Marwa called for affordable mental healthcare, more trained professionals and the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
He also urged parents, schools, religious leaders and the media to combat stigma and encourage young people to seek help early, while advocating stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers and civil society to expand prevention and treatment services.
