The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on faith-based institutions, families, and corporate organisations to strengthen their commitment to preventing drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Wuye, Abuja.
The service formed part of the activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by NDLEA personnel and gave thanks for the lives of officers who continue to fight the drug menace nationwide.
“We thank God for preserving our lives and for the relentless efforts of our officers who work daily to rid the streets of harmful substances,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we have lost some officers in the process, but we continue to push forward.”
Marwa emphasised the pivotal role of parents in preventing drug abuse, urging them to instil moral values in their children and guide them towards positive choices.
“Prevention starts at home. Parents are the first line of defence. If values are instilled early, we can reduce drug use among young people,” he stated.
He also encouraged individuals battling addiction to reach out through the agency’s confidential support line, 080 1020 3040, assuring them of help rather than punishment.
He further praised faith-based organisations for their contributions to the agency’s drug demand reduction strategy.
“For effective drug demand reduction, we need faith-based groups, families, and organisations. MFM has shown that churches can amplify this message through their platforms and communities,” he said.
Marwa noted that similar engagements were held in mosques earlier in the week, in line with the agency’s inclusive outreach approach.
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Reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to reducing drug use in the country, he said:
“Every family has either been directly or indirectly affected by drug abuse. That’s why we must all rise, invest in prevention, and work together to save our youths and communities.”
In his remarks, Pastor Edwin Etomi, Senior Regional Overseer of MFM, also urged faith-based organisations, families, and all sectors of society to actively support the NDLEA’s mission.
Etomi highlighted the importance of united efforts in curbing drug-related issues, calling on other religious bodies to follow MFM’s lead in empowering youth and fostering national growth.
“This is a way of repositioning our youth for better exports and usefulness in society.
Drug abuse is a menace, and it will take every hand that is, the parents, churches, private and public sectorsn to reduce its impact,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of stigma, cautioning against marginalising drug addiction victims and encouraging families to offer support and reintegration.
“This is not the time to stigmatise anybody. This is a time to help. NDLEA cannot do it alone.
We believe in this country and in what God can still do through us and through structured organisations like the NDLEA,” Etomi added.
The thanksgiving service, attended by NDLEA officials and members of the congregation, featured prayers for the protection of operatives and the success of the agency’s ongoing nationwide campaign.
