The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers and local communities to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Taraba State.
The appeal comes after the agency recorded the seizure of 2,530 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of 382 suspects for various drug-related offences between January and July this year.
Speaking during a drug abuse awareness programme in the state, the Taraba State Commander of the NDLEA, Javanson Kwalma, described drug abuse as a major public health and security concern, noting that the widespread misuse of substances such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, methamphetamine and other psychoactive drugs continues to threaten the well-being of residents and hinder socio-economic development.
Kwalma said that despite sustained efforts by governments and international organisations over the years, the global drug problem remains a significant challenge, with trafficking syndicates expanding their operations by exploiting technological advancements and weak governance systems.
According to him, communities continue to bear the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including addiction, mental health disorders, family breakdown, rising crime, violence and the loss of productive members of society.
He added that young people remain among the worst affected, stressing that the abuse of illicit substances is having a damaging impact on families and communities across Taraba State.
Also speaking at the event, the Galadima of the Muri Emirate, Alhaji Tukur Abba Tukur, expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse in the state and called on the government to declare a state of emergency on illicit drug consumption and trafficking.
He said traditional institutions are witnessing firsthand the destructive effects of drug abuse on communities and pledged closer collaboration with the NDLEA to address the problem.
According to him, plans are underway to establish community vigilante groups that will work with the agency by providing intelligence on locations where illicit drugs are sold and consumed.
He warned that the growing drug crisis is pushing many young people into addiction, depression and, in some cases, premature death, describing the situation as a serious threat to the future of communities across the state.
Representing Governor Agbu Kefas at the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Sale Audu, reaffirmed the Taraba State Government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse through sustained awareness campaigns and collaborative interventions.
Audu described drug abuse as one of the greatest challenges facing both Taraba State and Nigeria, noting that it destroys lives, weakens families, fuels criminal activities, reduces productivity and robs young people of their future.
He urged residents, particularly youths, to stay away from illicit substances, stressing that no drug offers a lasting solution to life’s challenges.
According to him, substance abuse only results in addiction, poor health, poverty, violence and, in many cases, untimely death.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deploying modern technology to dismantle illicit drug networks and disrupt the supply of illegal substances across Taraba State and other parts of the country.
NDLEA Seizes 2,530kg of Illicit Drugs, Arrests 382 Suspects in Taraba, Seeks Stronger Community Partnership
