The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at eliminating drug abuse in the state.

Commander of the NDLEA Kano State Strategic Command, Dahiru Yahaya, stated this on Monday at the ongoing three-day multi-stakeholder engagement on drug abuse prevention in Kano.

Mr Yahaya was represented by the deputy commander and head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Maimuna Muhammad.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Strength in Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Combating Drug Abuse in Kano State,’ Mr Yahaya said collective action remained the most effective strategy for addressing drug abuse.

He said the agency recognised that the fight against illicit drugs could not be achieved in isolation, hence the need for collaboration with government institutions, traditional leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and other well-meaning stakeholders.

He said, “The NDLEA is dedicated to reducing the supply and demand for illicit drugs through effective enforcement, community engagement and rehabilitation programmes.”

Mr Yahaya added that coordinated efforts with stakeholders continued to yield positive results, adding that the agency was working to sustain the momentum in line with the agenda of the NDLEA chairman/chief executive officer for a drug-free society.

He urged the participants to strengthen their commitment towards curbing the spread of illicit drugs and supporting the rehabilitation of affected persons.

“Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a drug-free Kano State,” he said.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Kano Reformative Centre, Cheryl Kwagga, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to tackle the rising cases of drug abuse in the state.

Ms Kwagga said the summit was convened to address what she described as one of the most pressing social challenges confronting the state.

She said drug abuse had continued to destroy young lives, destabilising families and fuelling insecurity, adding that a united front was required to reverse the trend.

“We gather here not merely as institutions, but as one united force bound by a shared commitment to protect our youth and safeguard our communities,” Ms Kwagga said.

(NAN)