The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Strategic Command, has partnered with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) to launch a large-scale anti-drug advocacy campaign across Lagos, aimed at curbing the rising tide of illicit drug abuse, particularly among youths.
The outreach, which drew a large crowd of NDLEA personnel and ECAPI volunteers, commenced from Maryland on Saturday and covered drug-prone areas including Maryland, Mushin, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Costain and Lagos Island. Participants engaged residents, youths and suspected users in sensitisation drives conducted in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English.
Speaking to journalists, the Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Liman Wali, said the campaign marked a shift towards stronger prevention, advocacy and community reorientation.
“This road walk is not just symbolic; it is a statement of our collective resolve against drug abuse and trafficking. Drugs destroy lives, families and the future of our youths, and we must confront this menace directly,” he said.
Wali added that NDLEA’s strategy now goes beyond arrests and prosecution to include asset recovery. “We now focus on seizing proceeds of crime. In Lagos, we have confiscated monies, hotels, houses and other properties and returned them to government coffers,” he stated.
He described the collaboration with ECAPI and other stakeholders as critical to sustained impact. “We are strengthening partnerships and deepening advocacy. This massive turnout shows a united front saying no to illicit drugs and yes to life,” Wali said.
ECAPI founder and president, Ambassador Sam Eniola Adams, said the campaign was aimed at removing drugs from the streets and protecting young people’s futures.
“Drugs are destroying lives, health, dreams and the economy. We are declaring zero tolerance for cartels, peddlers and buyers. The peddlers think it is business—it must stop,” he said.
Adams announced plans to extend the campaign nationwide. “We will take this movement to all 36 states and the FCT. Landlords who harbour drug sales will face property forfeiture.
On partnership, he noted: “Our partnerships are yielding fruits. Eight years ago, NDLEA was the first agency to grant us partnership letter. It has been productive. We have been doing massive advocacy with them; followed by
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Nigeria, (ICPC), then followed by Nigeria Police, the foremost and chief internal security agency in Nigeria,’’ he added.
Also speaking, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Barja, Sarki Hausa Overall of Alimosho Local Government Area, said traditional institutions would support the campaign.
“Drugs will destroy our youths. We will take this message to our communities through our traditional rulers,” he said.
A highlight of the outreach was the presentation of an award to Commander Wali in recognition of his leadership and record of arrests, seizures and prosecutions in the fight against illicit drugs under his command.
