The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians struggling with drug dependence to seek professional assistance through its 24-hour counseling and referral service.
The appeal was made by the Secretary of the NDLEA, Shadrach Haruna, on Monday as part of activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Haruna assured the public that trained professionals are available round the clock to support individuals affected by drug use disorders and their families.
“We also urge families and friends of persons battling addiction to seek help from NDLEA, stressing that recovery is possible with the right support and intervention,” he said.
According to him, the agency’s helpline, 0800-1020-3040, also known as the 247-Network, was established to provide timely access to professional assistance for individuals and families affected by drug dependence.
Haruna explained that anyone who contacts the helpline will receive an immediate response in their preferred language, including Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or formal English.
“If you know anyone who is suffering from drug use disorder, NDLEA is there to support. Anyone who calls the number will receive an instant response in whatever language they speak,” he stated.
He noted that trained social psychologists are available to offer counseling services and refer callers to suitable treatment and rehabilitation centres nearest to them.
The NDLEA secretary emphasized that treatment and rehabilitation remain key components of the agency’s drug control strategy, alongside enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment campaigns.
Haruna further disclosed that the agency has adopted innovative approaches to tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking, including partnerships with faith-based organisations to strengthen prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.
According to him, churches and other religious bodies have become important stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse because of their influence on families and communities.
“We involve and use a lot of innovative responses, and one of those responses is to use faith-based organisations, which of course include churches,” he said.