NDLEA Chairman Urges Traditional Rulers to Join Fight Against Drug Abuse
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa calls on traditional rulers to help combat drug abuse and protect vulnerable girls, citing poverty and lack of education as key drivers.
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The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has appealed to traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with law enforcement in combating drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the girl-child. Marwa emphasized that poverty, abuse, and lack of education are key factors driving young people and women into substance use and exploitation.
Speaking in Abuja, Marwa highlighted the influential role traditional leaders play in shaping community norms and safeguarding social welfare. He urged them to leverage their authority to identify at-risk individuals, promote education, and discourage harmful practices that contribute to drug dependency. According to Marwa, the protection of the girl-child is not only a social imperative but a critical component of national drug control strategy.
The appeal was echoed in reports from The Whistler and This Day, which documented Marwa’s engagement with community stakeholders. He stressed that sustainable progress against drug abuse requires more than enforcement—it demands community-based prevention and early intervention. Traditional institutions, he noted, are uniquely positioned to detect early signs of abuse and provide guidance within cultural frameworks.
Marwa’s call comes amid growing concern over rising drug use among youth in Nigeria. While specific national incidence rates were not cited in the source material, the NDLEA continues to prioritize partnerships that extend beyond policing to include social protection and education. By involving traditional rulers, the agency aims to create a multi-layered defense against drug proliferation, especially in underserved regions where state presence may be limited.