Borno state Command of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has provided counselling intervention to two hundred and fifty drug addicts in the last six months.
State Commander Mr. Joseph Icha stated this at an event to mark this year’s International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Maiduguri.
Mr.Joseph Icha said the Command has admitted about fourteen persons into the rehabilitation centre.
According to him, out the fourteen admitted, ten have been discharged while four are still in the facility.
“The rehab activity we do is in two phases,We have brief counselling intervention and admissions of hard drug addicts into our rehabilitation centre ” the Commander said.
The NDLEA Commander expressed concern over the increase number of illicit drug trafficking and consumption in the state, pointing out that the Agency has stepped up efforts to reduce drug demand and supply in the state.
He also called on the state government to provide a rehabilitation centre for drug disorder patients to accommodate more addicts.
On prevention measures, Mr. Joseph Icha explained that the command has set up drop-in centres in tertiary institutions across the state where students can access information on drug related issues and also bring people closer to the Agency.
High point of the event was presentation of empowerment materials to women and trophies to students of secondary schools by the wife of Borno state Governor Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum.
Theme for this year’s celebration is “people first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.
The event was attended by the Wife of Borno state Governor, security establishment, academics, secondary school students and members of War Against Drug Abuse WADA clubs.
Cov/Dauda Iliya.
