NDLEA Adamawa Urges Parents to Guide Children Against Drug Abuse

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf, Yola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa State has called on parents to intensify efforts in guiding and training their children to steer clear of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The agency made the appeal while commemorating the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an event held in Yola, the state capital.

As part of the commemoration, NDLEA organized a one-day training for secondary school students drawn from various schools across the capital, aiming to educate them early on the dangers of illicit drug use. The event was held under the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Delivering a lecture titled “Break the Cycle” on addiction, trafficking, and related criminal activities, Dr. Umar Joel Jacob, a consultant psychiatrist, emphasized that many crimes and social vices are carried out under the influence of drugs.

According to Dr. Jacob, Nigeria’s crime rate could be significantly reduced if families take a more proactive role in raising their children. “Parents should monitor their children closely and also avoid drug use themselves so that they do not become negative role models,” he said.

He disclosed that from January to June 2025, about 50 percent of psychiatric cases at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) were linked to drug addiction. He urged educational institutions to consider conducting drug tests before admitting new students.

Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Ajine Dalo, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Adamawa State Chapter, commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and the state government for supporting NDLEA’s fight against drug abuse.

He appealed to parents to invest in properly training and educating their children to stay away from drugs. He further urged youths to abstain from drug abuse and illicit trafficking, warning that involvement in drugs jeopardizes their future.

Highlighting the agency’s achievements over the past year, Adamawa State NDLEA Commander, Barrister Aliyu Abubakar CN I, revealed that over four tonnes of illicit drugs were seized between June 2024 and June 2025. The agency arrested 583 suspects, including 563 males and 20 females, and secured convictions against 225 offenders.

Recovered substances included cannabis sativa (marijuana), methamphetamine (popularly known as ice or mkpuru mmiri), Tramadol, and other controlled substances weighing a total of 3,989.6 kilograms. The agency also confiscated six vehicles used for drug trafficking and secured the forfeiture of proceeds of crime totaling ₦1,213,875 to the Federal Government.

Barrister Abubakar urged students to remain vigilant and avoid drug use, stressing that the NDLEA, the Adamawa State Government, and various stakeholders—including religious bodies and civil society organizations—are committed to implementing evidence-based prevention strategies to protect the state’s youth.

Traditional rulers and district heads present at the event also added their voices, condemning politicians who exploit youths for criminal activities by luring them into drug abuse for selfish interests.

Some of the students who attended the lecture expressed gratitude for the sensitization, pledging to stay away from drugs to secure a brighter future.