The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sounded the alarm over a disturbing trend among youths, who are now turning to unconventional substances like methylated spirit and nail polish to get high.

This shift is attributed to the high cost of traditional narcotics like codeine syrup, tramadol, and cannabis.

Ogun State Commander Tijjani Rabe, represented by Deputy State Commander Ekundayo Williams, expressed concern over the rising threat, stating, “We are worried because despite our campaigns and sensitization efforts, we are seeing an annual increase in drug abuse.”

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Rabe cited a 2018 survey, which revealed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 16 had used substances in the previous year, with a 5.6 percent increase compared to 2016. “20 percent of these individuals have drug disorders,” he added.

The agency has been working to raise awareness and advocate for drug prevention in schools, places of worship, marketplaces, parks, and rural areas, in collaboration with sister organizations and stakeholders.

However, the NDLEA chief noted that Ogun State, with its high number of post-secondary institutions, has a higher-than-average rate of drug-related problems, with the southwest region being the most affected.

Rabe warned, “One in five drug abusers injects narcotics using syringes and needles, which allows blood-borne illnesses like Hepatitis B and HIV to spread.”

This development is a concerning trend, as Nigeria has struggled with drug abuse in recent years. In 2020, the country launched a campaign to tackle drug abuse, and the NDLEA has been working to strengthen its efforts.