14.2m Nigerians Consumed Illicit Drugs In 2018 …….NDLEA

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed  that a large number of Nigerians numbering 14.2 million consumed illicit drugs in 2018.

Speaking at the sideline of sent forth ceremony organised for the retiring commander of Kwara state command, Ona Ogilegwe., Chairman of the agency, Col. Mohammad Abdallah (rtd) told newsmen that recent United Nations drugs survey put it that 14.2 million Nigerians consumed illicit drugs in 2018. 

The NDLEA boss who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Oloruntoba, Col. Abdallah reiterated that the figure is higher than the global statistics. 

“Globally, it is estimated that only five million people have taken drugs last year. Ironically and frighteningly, it means 14.2 percent of Nigerians took drugs last year.

He said everybody is alarmed at the rate of drug   abuse in the country, adding that “What it means is that every Okada rider that you see working from 6am to 10pm is on something. 

“The cultists, the kidnappers that pitch tent in the bush are on drugs.

“What it means also is that if government fights drugs, it has fought 50 percent of criminality in Nigeria.”

He urged government to provide the equipment, fund and personnel for the war against drug abuse to be successful in Nigeria

“What we are asking government to do is to give us the materials, men and money- the three Ms. And of course equipment.

“It is better to soak the presence of NDLEA men in all the corners of the country. What I am saying that the presence of NDLEA cannot be felt in every nook and cranny of Nigeria because we are short of men.

“Adequate equipment is where the world is gravitating. Equipment can solve a lot of problems without physically being there. I was opportune to see in China,” he added.