The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has raised alarm over the growing menace of drug abuse and cultism in Nigeria, warning that these twin evils pose a serious threat to the country’s future.
Marwa made the remarks on Saturday during a seminar held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, themed “Dangers of Drug Abuse, Cultism and Banditry Among Youths,” organised by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns.
He disclosed that drug use across Africa is expected to surge by 40 percent in the coming years, with Nigeria already among the countries experiencing some of the highest levels of substance abuse globally.
“When we talk about Africa, Nigeria must come to mind. The prevalence of drug use in this country is alarmingly high, and if urgent steps are not taken, the consequences will be dire,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss explained that drug abuse, cultism, and banditry are deeply intertwined issues that require a united front to combat.
“Cultism, which used to be confined mainly to tertiary institutions, has now spread into secondary schools and local communities, putting vulnerable youths at risk. This has resulted in needless bloodshed among our young people, driven by false hopes of power and acceptance,” he added.
While acknowledging the grave warnings issued by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Marwa emphasised that all hope is not lost.
“We still have the power to turn the tide. It starts with collective responsibility—parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, and community members must come together to say no to these vices,” he said.
He also highlighted NDLEA’s recent achievements, revealing that over the past four and a half years, the agency arrested more than 67,000 drug traffickers, including 95 major kingpins, seized over 11.2 million kilograms of illegal drugs, and destroyed nearly 1,600 hectares of cannabis farms nationwide. Rehabilitation efforts have supported more than 27,000 recovering drug users.
Marwa called on communities to deepen collaboration with the agency by reporting suspicious activities, promoting moral values, and creating more opportunities for young people in education, sports, and entrepreneurship.
“The road to national greatness cannot be built on drugs, violence, or shortcuts. It requires vision, hard work, and commitment,” he said.
