The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Borno State, Nigeria, has raised an alarm about youths consuming fermented human urine, preserved for over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs.
According to the Commander of Narcotics of the NDLEA in Borno State, Iliyasu Mani, the abuse of psychoactive substances is prevalent among the youth, who are also resorting to consuming unusual substances like lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and Mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks.
Additionally, they inhale toilet fumes and gutter dirt in an attempt to get intoxicated.
Mani highlighted the challenges faced by the NDLEA in combating substance abuse, particularly among young teens.
Despite the difficulties, he stated that the agency is strengthening efforts towards prevention strategies, including the establishment of a remodeled counseling/rehab center within the premises of the Borno State Command.
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The NDLEA commander also mentioned the establishment of drop-in centers across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centers.
Under Mani’s watch, the NDLEA in Borno State reported seizing 4.5 tonnes of illicit substances and arresting 863 suspects.
Of those arrested, 53 have been convicted, while 736 are undergoing counseling.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime household survey conducted in 2018, but reviewed in 2021 and 2022, indicated a substance abuse prevalence rate in Nigeria of 14.3%, which is three times higher than the global average of 5.6%.
The survey further revealed varying prevalence rates in different regions, with the North-East at 13.6%, North-West at 12%, and North-Central at 10%.
