The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for urgent nationwide collaboration to combat the escalating crises of drug abuse, cultism, and banditry among Nigeria’s youth. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Ijebu-Ode Council of Olorituns in Ogun State, themed “Dangers of Drug Abuse, Cultism, and Banditry Among Youths,” Marwa stressed that these intertwined vices pose one of the gravest threats to the country’s future.
In a statement released by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa warned that the destructive link between illicit drug use, violent cult groups, and rising banditry must be broken through collective action. He noted that cultism, once largely confined to universities, has now penetrated secondary schools and grassroots communities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests.
“What began as secret meetings has morphed into violent gangs that lure young people with false promises of brotherhood and empowerment,” Marwa said. “Many end up trapped in a world of fear, bloodshed, and wasted potential, with countless youths losing their lives or becoming perpetrators of violence.”
Citing United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) projections that drug use in Africa is set to rise by 40 percent, Marwa highlighted Nigeria’s particularly alarming rates of abuse. Yet, he expressed optimism that the trend can be reversed if families, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, and community heads unite to tackle the menace.
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Marwa emphasized strengthening the family unit as the foundation for moral upbringing, ensuring schools remain safe havens for discipline and mentorship, and expanding youth opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and sports. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” he warned, urging all stakeholders to create pathways that divert young Nigerians from crime and addiction toward productive, fulfilling lives.
