The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has provided counselling, treatment or rehabilitation support to 53,843 people affected by drug use over five years through its network of 31 centres.
The agency also reported 17,213 outreach activities under its War Against Drug Abuse programme. Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa disclosed the figures in remarks delivered on his behalf at a mental health summit in Lagos.
Marwa said prevention and treatment should receive attention alongside operations against traffickers. He linked some cases of substance use to untreated emotional distress and urged schools, families and health institutions to make support easier to access without stigma.
He also raised concerns about cyberbullying, harmful online comparisons and digital content promoting drug use. The NDLEA called for stronger referral systems, more trained mental health professionals and closer collaboration among government, civil society and educators. The figures are agency reported totals and do not by themselves establish long term recovery outcomes.
