The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians battling drug addiction and substance abuse to seek immediate professional assistance through its 24-hour counseling and referral service.
Key Highlights:
- NDLEA urged Nigerians struggling with drug addiction to seek help through its 24-hour counseling service.
- The agency’s helpline provides support, referrals, and rehabilitation assistance.
- NDLEA said it is combining enforcement with prevention, treatment, and public awareness.
- It encouraged families to seek early intervention for affected persons.
The appeal was made on Monday, June 22, during activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking on behalf of the agency, Secretary Shadrach Haruna, said the NDLEA remains committed to expanding access to drug abuse treatment, rehabilitation, and mental health support across Nigeria.
He confirmed that the agency operates a dedicated helpline (0800-1020-3040), also known as the 247-Network, designed to provide instant assistance to individuals and families affected by drug dependence.
According to him, the service is available round the clock and offers multilingual support in English, pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo to ensure nationwide accessibility.
Haruna added that trained social psychologists are available to provide counselling services and connect callers to the nearest accredited rehabilitation centres for proper treatment and recovery support.
He urged families and close associates of drug users to intervene early and seek professional help, stressing that recovery from drug addiction is possible with timely support, structured care, and sustained intervention.
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“Anyone who calls the number will receive an instant response in whatever language they speak,” he said, noting that the agency is strengthening its response systems to address rising drug use cases across communities.
He further explained that the NDLEA is adopting a multi-sectoral approach to drug control, combining enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and public enlightenment campaigns.
The agency also highlighted ongoing collaborations with faith-based organisations, community leaders, and civil society groups to strengthen drug abuse prevention efforts at grassroots level.
According to Haruna, religious institutions remain key partners in tackling substance abuse due to their influence on families and community behaviour, making them vital in counselling and moral reorientation efforts.
