The NDLEA in Oyo State says nearly half of undergraduates are involved in drug use, raising alarm.
To mark World Drug Day, officials called for stronger prevention efforts and community-led awareness campaigns.
The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed deep concern over the rising trend of drug abuse among students, revealing that nearly half of the undergraduate population is involved in drug use.
This was disclosed by the state NDLEA Commander, Olayinka Joe-Fadile, during a rally held in Ibadan on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, celebrated annually on June 26. This year’s theme is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Circle.”
Joe-Fadile highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that recent data indicates a troubling increase in drug use among youths, including children as young as nine.
“The issue of drug abuse is becoming more alarming,” he said. “Statistics show that four to five out of every ten undergraduates are now involved in drug use. This is why our awareness campaigns have been expanded to cover primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.”
He emphasized that the goal of the 2025 campaign is to push for stronger, coordinated, and long-term responses to drug trafficking and abuse by addressing root causes and reinforcing health, education, and social systems.
In the past few months, the Oyo command has arrested 150 individuals for drug-related crimes and destroyed about 11 tons of various illicit substances. Joe-Fadile warned that the consequences of drug abuse are deadly, often resulting in the gradual destruction of internal organs.
He assured the public that the agency would not relent in its crackdown on illegal drug operations in the state.
“We believe the law will eventually catch up with every offender,” he said. “The NDLEA will continue to pursue and prosecute all those involved in the production, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs.”
The agency is also working with traditional and religious leaders across the state, appointing them as ambassadors to spread the anti-drug message in their communities.
“People listen to their religious leaders. That’s why we are partnering with them to deepen our outreach and increase awareness,” Joe-Fadile added.
The rally drew participation from several security and civil service groups, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
