NSA raises alarm over drug scourge

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) has raised the alarm over the rising drug abuse epidemic in the country.

He lamented that despite the efforts of national and international institutions, enormous amounts of drugs were still being produced, trafficked and consumed throughout the world.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2018 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, themed, “Listen first: Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."

The event was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said transnational crime syndicates now manufactured new psycho-active substances when governments step up control over existing drugs.

Monguno, represented by AIG Ibekwe Abdallah, said that the prevalence of Amphetamine, a stimulant, commonly referred to as synthetic drugs, is further aggravated by local manufacturing facilities.

“We are faced with large scale production of methamphetamine and rampant abuse of pharmaceutical drugs of prescription such as Tramadol and cough syrup with Codeine which informed the recent ban of substances by the Federal Government.

"It is disheartening to note that out of 1.6 billion pills of Tramadol seized globally in 2017, Nigeria alone accounted for 20 percent of this global seizure,” he said.

According to him, proceeds of illicit drug trade were being used to finance terrorism, instigate corruption, undermine economic development and erode state authority.

He said, “There is no denying the nexus between abuse and trafficking in drugs and insecurity that has engulfed some parts of the nation. So many of the violent crimes that abound, including many of the suicide bombers who carry out their dastardly act after getting some courage from abuse drugs.

“It is with this understanding that the Federal Government’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism have provided an all-encompassing approach to addressing the driver of violent extremism, one of which is drugs.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, NDLEA Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.) said beyond clamping down on offenders, his agency was determined to enlighten the youths about drug abuse.

“It is not acceptable that parents who have the primary responsibility of listening to their wards have rather resorted to blaming teachers, pastors, Imams, law enforcement agencies and even their children’s peers for their drug indulgence,” Abdallah said.