By Peter Omopo
30th August 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, has renewed its partnership with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) to intensify the fight against drug abuse across communities.
The commitment was restated on Thursday during a field intelligence and advocacy training for anti-drug agents, held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat in Lagos.
Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Command, Abubakar Liman, said the agency would continue to align with the vision of its Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), by working with NGOs, parents, teachers, and community leaders to dismantle drug networks and promote prevention.
“This workshop will further strengthen our bid to fight the drug menace. Our CEO has always emphasised advocacy and capacity building as key to ridding the country of drug problems,” Liman said, commending ECAPI for its initiative.
Lead trainer, retired Assistant Commander-General Jane Ibiba-Odili, raised concerns over the rising abuse of unconventional substances such as bleach, fermented sanitary pads, and alcohol among children as young as seven. She described drug abuse as a “hydra-headed and multifaceted challenge” that requires a holistic National Drug Control Master Plan and stronger parental involvement.
Speaking at the event, Chinerem Eziaghighala, NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, disclosed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 abuse drugs, with the majority aged between 25 and 39. She added that “one in four drug abusers is a woman,” stressing that treatment is costly and long-term, hence the need for prevention through intelligence sharing, behavioural change campaigns, and skills development.
Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Kayode Oloyede, represented by Ajoke Onitolo, described the rate of drug abuse among young people as alarming, linking it to health crises such as kidney problems, high blood pressure, and mental illness.
President of ECAPI, Eniola Adam, pledged sustained collaboration with the NDLEA.
“With over 1,500 members in Lagos and 5,000 nationwide, we will go beyond intelligence gathering to fight drug abuse,” he said.
