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70% of youths threatened by drugs, says Marwa

Published

5 years ago

February 10, 2022

Buba Marwa

…Marwa launches WADA Club for Universities at UNIABUJA
…Explains why Drug Integrity Test for Universities is necessary.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig General Buba Marwa has warned that the nation faces a grim future over the rate of drugs prevalence among youths wondering, “what will become of Nigeria with about 70% youth population if the future of its youths is ravaged by drugs.

Speaking while launching the War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA) Club at the University of Abuja, Marwa said, “Part of the measures to reduce drug use in universities is the proposed introduction of the Drug Integrity Test for both new and returning students.

According to him, “The Drug Integrity Test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.

“It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the “University of National Unity”, will be the first public university in Nigeria to adopt the Drug Integrity Test for fresh and returning students of the institution.

“The Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure, rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.

“This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student.

“Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where we’ll deploy our men to assist the authorities, deter drug dealers and users within the university.

“It is commendable to know that the University of Abuja has a functional Counselling and Career Services Centre which attends to the psychological and emotional needs of the students including those struggling with drug addiction.

“There is a need to give necessary support and care to those who are already hooked on drugs to get out of the habit.

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“As such. I would recommend the establishment of Counselling (and Career Services) Centres in all universities which are yet to establish such. To the students, I charge you in the spirit of true patriotism to desire and work towards a country devoid of drugs and its attendant consequences.

Continuing on the high prevalence of drug useage, Marwa said, “The facts have alarming human angles. For instance, the survey revealed that one in every four drug users in Nigeria is female. And it is instructive and worrisome to know that drug use was common among those aged 25-39 years, while the age of initiation was 22 years for heroin and 19 years for cannabis.

Emphasizing that “these age groups comprised of young people who are either in secondary or tertiary institutions or are on the cusp of graduation”, he said, “To simplify the report of the survey: young people are overwhelmingly the majority of drug abusers in Nigeria.

“That is a jolting reality because youths are the building blocks of every developed nation and anything that affects the youth population affects the nation. The youth population constitutes the country’s workforce and the stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country would be.

Appreciating Vice-Chancellor and the Counselling and Career Services Centre of the university for finding it imperative to sensitize the students and the entire university community on the devastating consequences of substance use and the way forward, Marwa said the theme, “Drug-Free University and Tertiary Institutions,” is apt and timely as there is no better time than now to combat the drug challenge in the university community and among students.

He continued, “The menace of drug use is of worrisome dimension, this is even as the government has put in place measures in line with international conventions to counter this growing challenge among our youths.

“The abuse and trafficking of drugs is a global problem and Nigeria couldn’t have been insulated from this scourge. This was why in 1990 the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established and charged with the responsibility of “enforcing laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drugs and other related matters.”

“Since then, the Agency has not relented in its efforts at reducing the use and trafficking of drugs. But the truth on the ground indicates that our society needs to do more. The National Drug Use and Health Survey of 2018 showed that Nigeria has a peculiar drug use prevalence.

“At 14.4%, the country’s drug use prevalence is almost three times the global average of 5.6%. And what is worse, the abuse of drugs cuts across all ages, gender, socioeconomic status and regions.

“As revealed by statistics from the survey, 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, used psychoactive substances, while 10.6 million abused cannabis and 4.6 million others abused pharmaceutical opioids such as codeine, tramadol and morphine among others.

“To aggressively reverse the trend, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign on 26th June 2021 to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

“The goal of WADA is to mobilize all Nigerians, especially the youth population, for active participation in the process of ridding our society of the drug menace.

“As one of the worst-hit age groups by the drug menace, Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders to the attainment of the laudable goals of WADA.

“Since the launch of WADA, the Agency has initiated evidence-based prevention activities which include focused advocacy, drug awareness campaign, sensitization, treatment and care of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD).

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“We have launched a renewed campaign and intensive sensitization, targeting youths in schools at all levels as well as youths out of school.

“The pervasiveness and magnitude of the drug use problem have necessitated the change in the name of the club from Drug-Free Club to War Against Drug Abuse Club―WADA Club for short―to inject a renewed vibe and vigour into the club and its members.

“The main objective of the WADA Club include among others, “To prevent the use and sale of illicit drugs in schools /institutions and promote alternative activities to involvement in drugs.

“Others are to Increase the knowledge of members on the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and persuade those using drugs to seek help and equip students with necessary skills that will enable them to resist pressure to use drugs.

“These listed objectives can only be achieved through the execution of laudable activities that will promote drug-free lifestyles in educational institutions which will invariably enhance learning.

“The ambassadors, comprising of the academic and non-academic staff of the university, are to act as good role models to students by leading and living by example.

“The role of WADA Ambassadors is to supervise, encourage and support the club to ensure that the goals of the WADA campaign are achieved within the university community and its environs.

“We must be agents of change and the change we desire in others must start from us. We must use all of our talents to serve our country and fatherland.

“The Nigerian youth must be in the right state of physical and mental health as well as sound intellectual condition to adequately contribute to national development.

“The launch of the WADA Club is a significant gesture that the students, staff and indeed the entire community of the University of Abuja has joined in the campaign against drug abuse.”

Other speakers at the occasion included the representative of the minister of Education and Director Guardiance and Counselling Directorate, Mrs Okereke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in charge of Administration, Professor Abubakar Sadeeq, the Representative of the National University Commission, Mr Odia and the Director, Counselling and Carrier Service Center, Prof. Mrs. Ojiha

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Related Topics:drugs Featured Marwa youths

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Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Published

10 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Senate debate on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to replace criminal punishment for suicide attempts with medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his position, warning that anyone who attempted suicide but survived would be jailed.

His comments came as the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny despite his opposition.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term support for people who survive suicide attempts.

Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contains a contradiction because the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He specifically cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which expose people who survive suicide attempts to possible criminal punishment under applicable laws.

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The senator said criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional help. It could also make families conceal incidents for fear of prosecution and stigma, while undermining the collection of reliable data needed to strengthen prevention efforts.

Ekpenyong challenged lawmakers to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive protection and medical care.

He maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not mean encouraging suicide or excusing anyone who assists, persuades or procures another person to take their life. Rather, the proposal would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility requiring coordinated medical, psychological and social support.

The bill proposes a framework for medical assessment, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to help them identify and respond appropriately to people experiencing suicidal distress.

Another proposed measure is the establishment of a national data system to improve understanding of suicide attempts and support evidence-based prevention programmes.

During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but questioned how the proposed legislation would work in practice to prevent suicide.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposal, particularly how amendments involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code would apply across Nigeria’s states.

Bamidele urged lawmakers to examine the relationship between federal legislation and state legal frameworks to avoid conflicts during implementation.

Akpabio similarly called for input from state Houses of Assembly during the proposed public hearing, arguing that the legal implications of amending the existing provisions required careful consideration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the proposal and said the legislative process would provide an opportunity for medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The bill’s supporters argue that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without consideration of the circumstances that led to the crisis. They maintain that punishment alone cannot address the underlying psychological, social or medical factors associated with suicidal behaviour.

The Senate’s decision to pass the bill for second reading does not mean that the proposed changes have become law. The legislation has been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Until the legislative process is completed and any resulting law takes effect, attempted suicide remains punishable under applicable provisions of Nigeria’s existing criminal laws.

The debate has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention and the treatment of survivors, with lawmakers now facing further scrutiny of whether criminal penalties or a health-centred response should take priority.

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

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Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

Published

11 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspects in two separate investigations involving suspected human body parts and the alleged removal of human heads from graves, amid concerns about crimes reportedly linked to money-making rituals.

The cases involve the recovery of two suspected human hands along Bakase Road in Alapa, Moro Local Government Area, and the alleged exhumation of graves at a cemetery in Omupo, Kwara State.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed the arrests during a security briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as the command announced operations targeting suspected criminal activities across the state.

In the Alapa case, police arrested Kamalden Lukmon and AbdulGaniyu Ibrahim after recovering two suspected human hands on October 8.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly intended to use the body parts for money-making rituals.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that a vigilante member identified as Abdulraf Apata had handed the suspected human hands over to them. Police said the allegation was being investigated to establish how the body parts were obtained and whether other individuals were involved.

The command has not publicly established the identity of the possible victim or the circumstances surrounding the origin of the suspected human hands. The allegations against the suspects and the person they reportedly named have yet to be determined by a court.

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In a separate investigation, police arrested Abu Jimoh and Ayo Jimoh over the alleged exhumation of graves and removal of human heads from a cemetery in Omupo.

The case reportedly came to light in May 2026 when residents visited the cemetery to bury a deceased person and discovered that some graves had been disturbed and the heads of bodies buried there were missing.

The discovery prompted a police investigation into the suspected grave exhumation and the whereabouts of the missing remains.

The commissioner said the two suspects were arrested at about 5 a.m. on October 8 while they were allegedly digging graves at the cemetery.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly named Mukaila Bello, a herbalist, as the alleged buyer of the missing human heads. However, the police account did not establish whether Bello had been arrested or whether the allegation against him had been independently verified.

Investigators were continuing efforts to establish the full circumstances of the incident, locate the missing remains and determine whether other people were involved.

The police have not established a direct connection between the Omupo cemetery case and the separate recovery of suspected human hands in Alapa. The incidents remain distinct investigations.

The arrests were among several security cases discussed during the commissioner’s briefing, at which the command reportedly presented 17 suspects linked to various alleged offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, child abuse and illegal possession of firearms. The figure covers multiple cases and does not refer solely to the four suspects in the human-parts investigations.

The latest developments have drawn attention to concerns about ritual-related crime and the unlawful handling of human remains in parts of Kwara State. Investigations are expected to establish the facts behind the allegations and determine whether further arrests or prosecutions are warranted.

In a separate incident earlier in 2026, a suspect identified as Hamza Woru was reportedly arrested in Kaiama over the alleged possession of a human skull said to have been exhumed from a deceased relative’s grave. That case is separate from the October investigations in Omupo and Alapa.

The police urged residents to report suspicious activities, particularly around cemeteries and other locations where criminal conduct may be taking place. Community leaders and other stakeholders were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist investigations and help prevent crime.

The command said it would continue intelligence-led operations to identify suspected offenders, investigate criminal networks and strengthen public safety across the state.

The four suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless the allegations against them are established in court.

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

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Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

Published

11 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan

Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital, as security operatives intensify efforts to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

The suspects were allegedly associated with the Eiye Confraternity and were linked by investigators to a suspected gang operating around Mackay Junction in Osogbo, where residents have raised concerns about criminal activities and threats to public safety.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, saying the operation followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, to strengthen security and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

According to the command, operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities during the raids.

The six suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly connected to the Eiye Confraternity and a suspected criminal network operating in the Mackay Junction area. However, the allegations against them have yet to be established in court.

Reports by Nigerian media outlets indicated that the suspects had been charged to court, although further details about the charges and proceedings were not immediately available.

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The arrests come amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo. In a separate incident, two people were reportedly killed in an attack involving suspected rival cult groups in the state capital.

The reported killings have heightened concerns about the activities of suspected cult groups and the risk of further violence. However, the police have not publicly established a direct link between the six suspects arrested in the latest raids and the separate fatal incident.

The latest operation forms part of the command’s wider efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks, prevent violent confrontations and improve public safety across Osun State.

The Commissioner of Police urged parents, guardians, community leaders, landlords and residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and providing credible information that could assist investigations.

He also warned young people against cultism, illicit drug use and criminal associations, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing violence and protecting lives and property.

The command said it would sustain intelligence-led operations in identified criminal hideouts and other areas considered security threats. It also encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.

The police maintained that the operations were aimed at strengthening security across the state and ensuring that individuals suspected of criminal activities were brought before the appropriate authorities.