The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians struggling with drug addiction to seek professional help through its 24-hour counselling and referral service.
Speaking on Monday to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, assured the public that trained professionals are available round the clock to support individuals dealing with drug use disorders.
Haruna also encouraged families and friends of people battling addiction to reach out for assistance, stressing that recovery is possible with the right intervention and support.
According to him, the agency’s helpline, 0800-1020-3040, popularly known as the 247-Network, was established to provide immediate access to counselling and referral services for individuals and families affected by drug dependence.
“If you know anyone struggling with drug use disorder, NDLEA is ready to help,” he said. “Anyone who calls the helpline will receive an instant response in their preferred language, including English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.”
Haruna explained that trained social psychologists are on hand to offer counselling and connect callers with treatment and rehabilitation centres closest to them. He noted that treatment and rehabilitation remain key components of the agency’s strategy for addressing drug abuse, alongside enforcement, prevention and public awareness campaigns.
The NDLEA secretary further revealed that the agency has adopted innovative approaches in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, including partnerships with faith-based organisations. According to him, religious institutions such as churches play a crucial role in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts because of their strong influence on families and communities.
He said faith-based organisations contribute not only by reporting drug-related activities but also through counselling, moral guidance and family-focused interventions. Haruna described the family as the foundation of social development and noted that religious bodies provide an effective platform for taking anti-drug campaigns directly to homes and communities across the country.
