Rate of substance abuse alarming in Katsina – NDLEA

Despite arresting over 1, 300 suspects and seizing over 1, 300 kilograms of drugs in the past year, the Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said the state’s drug problem remains troubling.

At a press briefing to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, NDLEA Katsina Commander, Hassan Sani Abubakar, acknowledged the agency’s achievements but stressed that the rate of abuse and trafficking of drug and psychotropic substances remains “alarming and a serious area of concern.”

He revealed that the drug problem cuts “across all strata of community members,” suggesting widespread use.

Abubakar also highlighted the “unbecoming attitudes of some communities” that obstruct NDLEA’s efforts and as such pose potential resistance to tackling the issue.

The NDLEA commander also noted an “alarming rise in the influx of drugs and psychotropic substances” into Katsina, despite counter-measures.

Another worrying trend according to him is the “increased cases of women’s involvement in drug activities.”

While acknowledging these challenges, he reiterated NDLEAs unwavering commitment to taming the menace. He noted the establishment of NDLEA offices across all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Katsina as a significant step towards boosting their presence and disrupting drug dealer activities.

He particularly applauded Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s sponsorship of the treatment of some youths for substance use disorder.

Speaking at the occasion, the Katsina State Governor, represented by Shehu Abdu Daura, Special Adviser on Drugs and Narcotics, said the Radda-led administration is taking a multi-pronged approach, with initiatives ranging from rehabilitation centres to potential emergency measures.

Recognising the severity of the drug abuse problem, Shehu hinted at the possibility of a declaration of a state of emergency. According to him, this move would signal a significant escalation in the fight against drugs, granting the government additional resources and potentially stricter legal measures.

He also noted the construction of multi-million naira reformatory centres catering to both male and female youth across the state’s three senatorial zones. These centres, he said, aim to provide rehabilitation and reintegration for those caught in the throes of drug abuse.