Yobe Moves to Establish Drug Abuse Control Agency as Government Steps Up War Against Substance Abuse
Potiskum LGA Eyes@muhammadnuraibrahim848393
12 days ago
The Yobe State Government has stepped up its campaign against rising drug abuse with decisive moves to establish a Drug Abuse Control Agency, a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services across the state.
The move comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of substance abuse, drug-related crimes, the high cost of rehabilitation, and the absence of functional treatment centers within Yobe State.
Speaking with journalists in Damaturu, the State Focal Person on Drug Abuse Control, Malam Saidu Hassan Jakusko, said the proposed agency would provide a strong legal and institutional framework to address the drug abuse challenge in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
According to him, Governor Mai Mala Buni has consistently identified drug abuse as a serious social and security threat and has given full backing to the establishment of the agency as a critical step toward protecting youths and restoring social stability.
He noted that the governor recently reaffirmed this commitment during the Machina Annual Cultural Festival 2026, warning that substance abuse is gradually becoming socially tolerated if decisive action is not taken.
Jakusko disclosed that a bill seeking to establish the Drug Abuse Control Agency is currently before the Yobe State House of Assembly, adding that its passage would pave the way for the creation of local rehabilitation centers, community-based prevention programs, and improved access to affordable treatment services.
He further revealed that the agency is expected to collaborate with the State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency and other relevant institutions to integrate drug treatment into the state’s healthcare system, thereby reducing reliance on out-of-state facilities.
Citing available data, Jakusko said over 609 confirmed drug users in the state urgently require rehabilitation, while more than 1,000 others need structured intervention, with substance abuse contributing significantly to rising crime and social dislocation across Yobe’s 17 local government areas.
He appealed to lawmakers to fast-track the bill, describing the establishment of the agency as a state emergency, and expressed optimism that its passage would mark a major milestone in the government’s resolve to decisively tackle drug abuse and secure the future of the state’s youth.
“Currently, patients are referred to the Maiduguri Psychiatry Hospital in Borno State for a minimum six-month rehabilitation program costing over ₦600,000 per person, a burden many families cannot afford,” he said.
Jakusko also commended members of the Yobe State House of Assembly and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Saleh Samanja, for their sustained efforts in addressing the growing menace of drug abuse in the state.
Mal. Ibrahim M. Nura
Special Assistant on Information and Communication
Office of the Executive Chairman Potiskum Local Government Area.
