Parents Should Buy Drug Test Kits for Early Detection of Substance Abuse in Children - Marwa

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called on parents and guardians to proactively acquire drug test kits for home use to detect early signs of substance abuse among their children, emphasizing that early intervention can prevent full-blown addiction.Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) 2025 Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition, themed “Live Free, Stay Clean,” Marwa highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigerian teenagers. The event, focused on sports-based drug abuse prevention, underscored the role of physical activities in fostering discipline and resilience while steering youth away from harmful substances.“Let me be clear: drug abuse destroys ambition, extinguishes hope, and robs young people of the bright future that rightfully belongs to them. It is not just an individual tragedy; it is a national loss,” Marwa declared, painting a stark picture of the societal impact. He noted the alarming rise in access to cannabis, codeine, inhalants, and other psychoactive substances, which are increasingly endangering the health, wellbeing, and prospects of young Nigerians.Marwa urged parents, guardians, and teachers to fulfill their “sacred responsibility” by staying close to children, providing attention, and heeding warning signs of potential drug involvement. “In fact, I encourage families to take proactive steps, including acquiring drug test kits for home use. It is better to detect drug use early, when intervention is possible, than to wait until it develops into full-blown addiction,” he advised. Extending the call to educational institutions, the NDLEA boss encouraged schools to establish drug-free clubs, assuring full agency support in these initiatives to build a healthier nation. He commended DEPOWA for the visionary sports programme, stating, “It speaks directly to the need for early sensitisation... Sports, after all, should remain a noble pursuit—one that rewards discipline, hard work, and integrity, not shortcuts rooted in abuse, including performance-enhancing drugs.” Marwa's remarks align with NDLEA's ongoing campaigns to combat the national drug crisis, which has seen a surge in youth involvement. He encouraged students to embrace sports as a positive outlet for energy and ambition, urging them to “Live Free, Stay Clean” and resist peer pressure toward substance use.

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