The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning against the abuse of hard drugs and the indiscriminate mixing of alcoholic beverages, emphasizing that such practices pose serious risks to physical and mental health. This caution was delivered by Assistant Director of Community Awareness, Directorate of Prevention and Sensitisation of the NDLEA, Peter Njokwu, during a sensitisation campaign for traders and residents of Gwagwalada Market in Abuja.
Sensitisation Campaign by I-CARE
The programme was organized by the Initiative for Care, Advocacy, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (I-CARE) as part of activities marking its 2026 Mental Health Awareness Week, themed: “Action for yourself, for all of us, for someone else.” During the outreach, officials from both organizations educated traders and residents on the health, social, and economic consequences of drug abuse, stressing the need for individuals and communities to stay away from illicit substances.
Risks of Mixing Alcoholic Beverages
Njokwu explained that many young people unknowingly endanger their lives by combining different alcoholic drinks and consuming illicit substances. He warned that such practices could lead to addiction, organ damage, mental health disorders, and, in severe cases, sudden death. According to him, most alcohol-related emergencies arise from the indiscriminate mixing of spirits, beer, wine, and locally brewed drinks—a trend he described as dangerous and avoidable.
He also noted that drug abuse remains a major public health concern, contributing to road accidents, domestic violence, mental health disorders, and reduced productivity. The NDLEA official stated that substance abuse has become a growing challenge in many communities, affecting not only users but also their families and society at large. He urged traders and residents of Gwagwalada to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at identifying and discouraging drug-related activities within their communities.
Role of Parents and Community
Njokwu, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics, advised parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children and wards, warning that peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of proper guidance often push young people into substance abuse. He emphasized the need for continuous education and awareness campaigns to curb the rising rate of drug abuse across the country. According to him, prevention remains the most effective strategy in tackling drug abuse, adding that the agency would continue collaborating with organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote a drug-free society. He identified cannabis as the most widely abused illicit substance in the area, while noting that alcohol remains the most commonly abused social drug.
I-CARE's Commitment to Mental Health
In his remarks, Public Relations Officer of I-CARE, Talubi Olusegun, said the sensitisation campaign was organized to educate members of the public, particularly traders and youths, on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. He noted that drug abuse poses a major threat to individuals, families, and communities, contributing to mental health disorders, crime, violence, and loss of productivity.
According to him, the theme of the awareness week underscores the collective responsibility of individuals and society in promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Olusegun urged participants to avoid illicit substances and seek professional help whenever they experience emotional or psychological difficulties. He also called on community leaders, parents, and market associations to collaborate in creating awareness and supporting efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse among young people.
He reiterated the group’s commitment to advocacy, rehabilitation, and empowerment programmes targeted at vulnerable groups, adding that the organization would continue partnering with relevant stakeholders to promote mental health awareness and build drug-free communities across the country.
