- Says 31,675 drug offenders arrested in 29 months
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
To deter citizens from stigmatising individuals grappling with drug abuse and addiction, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned that such actions have the potential to hinder the rehabilitation of victims.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd), gave the warning on Monday at the 2023 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The theme for the 2023 commemoration is People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.
Marwa suggested that rather than stigmatizing victims of substance abuse and addiction, what they deserve is society’s empathy and support. In his words, these individuals are human beings that inherently deserve respect and dignity.
According to him, such persons deserve the understanding of the rest of society to embolden them to seek help and access recovery support systems.
Marwa said by focusing on people first, stakeholders can recognise that individuals struggling with drug abuse are not defined solely by their addiction.
“They are human beings with inherent dignity, deserving of understanding, empathy, and support… Our prejudices hinder their access to healthcare, employment and social support systems.
“They are human beings with inherent dignity, deserving of understanding, empathy, and support.
“Hence, we must work to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and foster an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to access the necessary treatments and interventions,” he said.
According to Marwa, a critical component of their assigned task entails tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding attitudes and practices that pose additional obstacles for individuals seeking assistance.
“By raising awareness, educating communities, and promoting acceptance, we can challenge these harmful stereotypes and foster a society that embraces individuals on their path to recovery,” he said.
The NDLEA boss revealed that the agency arrested 31,675 drug offenders and seized 6,252 tonnes of illicit drugs nationwide since February 2021.
According to him, 5,147 of those arrested including 35 barons were now in jail terms.
“In the past 29 months, 31,675 drug offenders have been brought to book, among them 35 barons, and so far, 5,147 have earned jail terms, with over 6,252 tonnes of illicit drugs seized.
He added that some of the prosecuted offenders have forfeited their ill-gotten wealth to the government.
He also revealed that the NDLEA commissioned a Drug Abuse Call Centre with a 24/7 toll-free helpline, 0800 1020 3040, to attend to individuals with drug challenges and their families.
He said: “The centre is manned by a team of professionals, including psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, mental health specialists, and psychiatry doctors, who provide support to people who use drugs and their family members, without the fear of being judged or stigmatised, to facilitate recovery and manage social and emotional problems, thereby improving their quality of life.”
Aside from the call centre, the NDLEA has 34 counselling and rehabilitation centres across its commands, the anti-drug helmsman disclosed.
The facilities, he said, offer psychosocial interventions and reintegration for drug users.
On future efforts, he revealed that the agency, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, is in the process of implementing the Harm Reduction interventions of the Needle and Syringe programme and medication-assisted treatment for opioid users.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Others in attendance were Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Oliver Stolpe; Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba; Representative of the Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro and Former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo.