By Shuaibu Ibrahim, Gusau
The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called for compassion, stronger partnerships, and youth-led initiatives to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the state.
She made the call on Tuesday during a seminar marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the JB Secretariat in Gusau.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the First Lady described drug abuse as a major public health, social, and security challenge confronting Zamfara.
“Drug abuse is not only a public health issue but also a serious social and security challenge that affects our families, our communities, and, most importantly, our young people,” she said.
Mrs. Lawal expressed concern over the rising use of synthetic drugs among youths and highlighted the connection between illicit drug trafficking, crime, violence, and insecurity.
She urged parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and community members to work together in addressing the problem.
“We must educate our young people about the dangers of drug abuse, support efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking, provide positive opportunities for our youth, and assist those struggling with addiction instead of stigmatizing them.
“Recovery is possible when there is understanding, compassion, and access to the right support,” she added.
The Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Zamfara State, Matten Adidare, said the state continues to battle the abuse of tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, cannabis, and other psychotropic substances.
He noted that Zamfara’s border location, widespread rural poverty, and prolonged insecurity have heightened the vulnerability of young people to drug abuse.
“Banditry and displacement have pushed many young people out of school and into idleness. Drug peddlers exploit that idle time,” he said.
Adidare disclosed that the command has intensified arrests, school sensitisation campaigns, and raids on suspected drug joints in Gusau, Maradun, Anka, and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Zamfara State Chapter, Dr. Ibrahim Jibirin Jano, warned of the severe health consequences of substance abuse.
He said medical practitioners were witnessing increasing cases of psychosis, organ damage, and road traffic accidents linked to drug abuse among adolescents.
“The drugs destroy brains and futures. We need more rehabilitation centres and psychiatric support, not just arrests,” he said.