The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Retired Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa has stressed that the family remains the first line of defence in preventing drug abuse among young people.
Marwa noted that early detection, discipline, and a supportive home environment are critical to protecting children from addiction and its devastating consequences.
Delivering a lecture on “Drug Abuse Management and National Security: The Role of the Family Unit” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, during Exercise Haske Biyu, the NDLEA boss warned that the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government and security agencies alone.
Represented by the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Mohammed Shehu, Marwa said; “families must take responsibility for monitoring their children, as they are best positioned to notice early warning signs of risky behaviour.”
He identified indicators such as secrecy, withdrawal from loved ones, unexplained financial demands, and declining academic performance as subtle signals that a young person may be experimenting with drugs
“Early detection is key. When Parents act swiftly, they can prevent experimentation from escalating into full-blown addiction,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA Chairman cautioned adults against indulging in cigarettes and alcohol in the presence of children, describing it as “a dangerous perception of acceptance.”
He explained that when children see such behaviours normalized at home, they may believe it is acceptable to progress from smoking and drinking to more dangerous acts like burglary, cybercrime, and armed robbery.
Marwa also highlighted the availability of simple drug testing tools that empower parents to discreetly check for substance use within the household.
These, he said, “can help families intervene early, before a child’s curiosity or experimentation develops into dependence or even criminal tendencies.”
Citing examples, Marwa lamented that some cases brought to the agency involved young girls already battling HIV and mental health challenges due to prolonged drug use.
Such tragedies, Marwa argued, could have been avoided if families had stepped in earlier with discipline, counseling, and rehabilitation support.
The NDLEA boss stressed that addiction is not a destiny and urged parents to combine love with firm discipline, build attentive homes that shield children from peer pressure, and support rehabilitation for those already affected.
“Families that embrace their role as moral guides and protectors, provide the strongest safeguard against drug abuse and its security implications for the nation”, Marwa added.