The NDLEA raises concerns over the alarming trend of substance abuse among youths in Borno State, revealing that some resort to consuming fermented human urine, lizard dung, and other unconventional substances as alternatives to hard drugs. The Commander of Narcotics in Borno, Iliyasu Mani, highlights the prevalence of psychoactive substance abuse and lists various unusual items being ingested, including camel urine, Mentholated spirit in soft drinks, and even 10-day-old human urine.
Mani acknowledges the agency’s efforts in combating drug abuse but emphasizes the growing challenges, particularly with the involvement of young teens, especially women. Despite these challenges, he expresses hope and mentions the establishment of a remodeled counseling/rehab center within the Borno State Command premises as part of the prevention strategy. Drop-in centers in tertiary institutions have also been established for drug abuse research.
Under Mani’s leadership, the NDLEA in Borno has seized 4.5 tonnes of illicit substances, leading to the arrest of 863 suspects. Out of those arrested, 53 have been convicted, while 736 are undergoing counseling. The commander cites a UNODC household survey indicating a high level of substance abuse in Nigeria, with the North-East at 13.6%, North-West at 12%, and North-Central at 10%. The national average is 14.3%, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%, based on the survey conducted in 2018 and reviewed in 2021 and 2022.
