The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Strategic Command, has joined forces with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) to roll out a large-scale anti-drug awareness campaign across Lagos, targeting the growing challenge of illicit drug abuse, especially among young people.
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The advocacy exercise kicked off on Saturday from Maryland, drawing a strong turnout of NDLEA officers and ECAPI volunteers. The team moved through several drug-prone communities, including Maryland, Mushin, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Costain and Lagos Island, engaging residents and suspected users in direct conversations about the dangers of drug abuse. To ensure inclusiveness, sensitisation messages were delivered in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English.
Addressing journalists during the campaign, Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Liman Wali, said the initiative reflects a renewed focus on prevention, community engagement and behavioural change, beyond enforcement alone.
“This walk is more than a show of presence. It represents our shared determination to confront drug abuse head-on,” Wali said. “Drugs are destroying lives, tearing families apart and robbing our youths of their future. We must stop this menace before it consumes more communities.”
He explained that the agency’s approach now extends beyond arrests and prosecutions to include aggressive asset recovery. According to him, NDLEA has seized large sums of money, houses, hotels and other assets linked to drug trafficking in Lagos, with the proceeds returned to government coffers.
Wali stressed that collaboration remains key to sustaining impact. “Working with ECAPI and other partners allows us to deepen advocacy and reach more people. The massive turnout today sends a clear message that Lagos stands united against illicit drugs,” he added.
Also speaking, ECAPI Founder and President, Ambassador Sam Eniola Adams, described the campaign as a firm stand against drug abuse and its devastating effects on society.
“Drugs are destroying lives, health, dreams and even our economy,” Adams said. “We are saying zero tolerance to drug cartels, peddlers and buyers. What some see as business is actually destroying a generation, and it must stop.”
He disclosed plans to take the campaign nationwide, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Adams also warned that landlords who knowingly allow their properties to be used for drug-related activities risk forfeiture.
Highlighting ECAPI’s long-standing partnerships, Adams noted that NDLEA was the organisation’s first official partner eight years ago, a collaboration he described as impactful and productive. He added that ECAPI has since expanded its partnerships to include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Traditional institutions also pledged their support. The Sarki Hausa Overall of Alimosho Local Government Area, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Barja, said community leaders would help spread the anti-drug message.
“If we do not act, drugs will destroy our youths,” he said. “We will take this message to our people through our traditional rulers.”
A key highlight of the outreach was the presentation of an award to Commander Wali in recognition of his leadership and achievements in arrests, seizures and prosecutions in the fight against illicit drugs in Lagos State.
