The International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Kaduna State chapter, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify the fight against drug abuse.

It also said it would partner with the NDLEA on illicit drug trafficking through grassroots awareness, advocacy and human rights promotion.

The State Director of IHRC-RFT, Musa Bawa, made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Kaduna State Command.

Mr Bawa said the visit underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and communities in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse.

According to him, drug abuse is not only a security issue but also a public health, social and human rights concern that requires collective action.

He commended the NDLEA for its commitment to combating illicit drugs, rehabilitating victims and protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse.

“We recognise that your mandate goes beyond arresting offenders and intercepting illicit drugs. You educate communities, rehabilitate victims and restore hope to individuals and families affected by drug abuse.

“Our visit is driven by one sincere question: how can the International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust support the work of the NDLEA?

“Through our volunteers, youth networks, schools, faith-based organisations and community structures across Kaduna State, we believe we can complement your efforts in taking anti-drug messages to the grassroots,” he said.

Mr Bawa said the commission was willing to collaborate with the agency in organising school awareness campaigns, community sensitisation programmes, youth engagement initiatives, human rights education and advocacy programmes.

He added that the organisation was also interested in supporting the reintegration of persons recovering from drug addiction into society.

The IHRC director stressed that the commission was not imposing predetermined proposals but ready to listen to the agency’s priorities and identify areas where it could make meaningful contributions.

Responding, the NDLEA Kaduna State Commander, Maijama’a Muhammad, welcomed the proposed partnership, describing collaboration with civil society organisations as essential to achieving the agency’s mandate.

“We cannot be everywhere, but through collaboration we can reach more communities. Human rights remain one of our major considerations because we deal with people.

“During arrests, investigations and detention, we ensure that respect for human rights guides our operations,” he said.

Mr Muhammad explained that the agency’s operations were built around two key strategies: supply reduction and demand reduction.

He said supply reduction focused on disrupting the availability of illicit drugs through intelligence gathering, arrests of traffickers, stop-and-search operations, surveillance of courier services and other enforcement activities.

According to him, reducing the supply of illicit substances contributes significantly to curbing drug abuse.

The commander called on members of the public and civil society groups to support the agency by providing credible information on drug-related activities in their communities.

He noted that collaboration in intelligence sharing would enable the agency to reach locations beyond its immediate operational coverage.

Mr Muhammad said greater opportunities for collaboration existed in demand reduction through public enlightenment campaigns, workshops, lectures and capacity-building programmes aimed at educating people on the dangers of drug abuse.

He also highlighted the agency’s rehabilitation and counselling services for drug-dependent persons, saying the facilities catered for both male and female clients.

According to him, the centres provide assessment, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation to support the recovery and reintegration of affected individuals into society.

Mr Muhammad expressed optimism that the proposed partnership with IHRC-RFT would strengthen public awareness and enhance the fight against drug abuse across Kaduna State. 

(NAN)