As the world marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, stakeholders in Zamfara highlighted growing concerns over youth drug use and limited rehabilitation capacity.

The stakeholders also cited a link between the substance and insecurity.

The first lady of Zamfara, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, in her remarks at the event, called for compassion, stronger partnerships, and youth-led action to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

Mrs Lawal stressed that drug abuse remained a health, social, and security challenge.

“Drug abuse is not only a public health issue but also a serious social and security challenge that affects our families, our communities, and most importantly, our young people,” the governor’s wife said.

She expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic drugs among young people and the connection between illicit drug trafficking, crime, violence, and insecurity.

Mrs Lawal urged parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and community members to take collective responsibility.

“We must educate our young people about the dangers of drug abuse and support efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking.

“We must also create positive opportunities for our youth and support those struggling with addiction instead of stigmatising them. Recovery is possible when there is understanding, compassion, and access to the right support,” she said.

The commandant of the NDLEA in Zamfara, Matten Adidare, said the state continues to grapple with the abuse of tramadol, codeine-based syrups, cannabis, and other psychotropic substances.

He noted that proximity to borders, rural poverty, and prolonged insecurity had increased youth vulnerability in the state.

“Banditry and displacement have pushed many young people out of school and into idleness. That idle time is being exploited by drug peddlers,” Mr Adidare said.

According to him, the command has intensified arrests, conducted sensitisation in schools, and raided suspected drug joints in Gusau, Maradun, Anka, and Bukkuyum council areas.

The chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Zamfara, Ibrahim Jano, warned of the health implications. He said medical facilities in the state were recording more cases of psychosis, organ damage, and accidents linked to substance abuse among adolescents.

“The drugs destroy brains and futures. We need more rehabilitation centres and psychiatric support, not just arrests,” the NMA official said.

The engagement brought together the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NMA, journalists, parents, and community leaders to discuss Zamfara-specific challenges and the way forward. 

(NAN)