The Chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that since February 2021, the agency has made significant progress in combating drug-related crimes in Nigeria.

In a conference held in Abuja to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, it was revealed that a total of 31,675 drug offenders have been apprehended across the nation.

Among those arrested, 35 major drug kingpins have been taken into custody. Furthermore, over 6,252 tonnes of illicit drugs have been seized by the NDLEA.

The NDLEA has also achieved notable success in the prosecution of offenders, with 5,147 individuals having already received jail sentences.

In addition to criminal penalties, some of the prosecuted offenders have also been compelled to surrender their ill-gotten wealth to the government.

These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate illicit drugs from the country and address the grave consequences of drug abuse, particularly among the youth.

To further support individuals struggling with drug addiction, the NDLEA has launched a Drug Abuse Call Centre equipped with a 24/7 toll-free helpline.

Staffed by a team of professionals including psychologists, counsellors, and mental health specialists, the call center offers non-judgmental support and assistance to individuals and their families.

NDLEA operates 34 counseling and rehabilitation centers across its commands to provide comprehensive psychosocial interventions and aid in the reintegration of drug users.