The Lagos State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has joined forces with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) to roll out a wide-reaching anti-drug awareness campaign across Lagos, targeting the growing challenge of illicit drug abuse—especially among young people.
The campaign, which attracted a strong turnout of NDLEA officers and ECAPI volunteers, kicked off on Saturday in Maryland and moved through known drug-prone communities such as Mushin, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Costain and Lagos Island. Along the way, participants spoke directly with residents, youths and suspected drug users, delivering sensitisation messages in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English to ensure broad understanding and impact.
Addressing journalists during the outreach, the Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Liman Wali, explained that the initiative reflects a renewed focus on prevention, advocacy and changing mindsets at the community level.
“This walk is more than a show of presence. It represents our shared determination to tackle drug abuse and trafficking head-on. Drugs ruin lives, tear families apart and steal the future of our youths, and we must face this threat together,” he said.
Commander Wali noted that NDLEA’s approach now extends beyond arrests and prosecutions to include asset recovery. “We are also going after the proceeds of crime. In Lagos, we have seized cash, hotels, houses and other assets linked to drug activities and returned them to government,” he added.
He stressed that collaboration with ECAPI and other partners is vital for lasting success. “By strengthening partnerships and expanding advocacy, we are building a united front. The turnout today sends a clear message: we reject illicit drugs and choose life,” Wali said.
Speaking on behalf of ECAPI, its founder and president, Ambassador Sam Eniola Adams, said the campaign is focused on clearing drugs off the streets and safeguarding the future of young Nigerians.
“Drugs are destroying lives, health, dreams and even our economy. We are saying zero tolerance to cartels, peddlers and buyers. What some see as business is actually destruction, and it must end,” he declared.
Adams revealed plans to take the campaign nationwide. “This movement will reach all 36 states and the FCT. Landlords who allow their properties to be used for drug dealing will face forfeiture,” he warned.
On collaboration, he highlighted the long-standing partnership with NDLEA. “Eight years ago, NDLEA was the first agency to formally partner with us, and it has been impactful. Since then, we’ve carried out extensive advocacy together, followed by partnerships with the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force, the country’s leading internal security agency,” he said.
Also lending his voice, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Barja, the Sarki Hausa Overall of Alimosho Local Government Area, pledged the support of traditional institutions.
“Drugs will destroy our youths if we allow them. We will carry this message into our communities through our traditional rulers,” he assured.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Commander Wali, in recognition of his leadership and the achievements recorded under his command in arrests, seizures and prosecutions in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs.
Thank you for visiting The Vestigator, don't forget to share!
