In 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a series of community engagements that went far beyond standard drug prevention. While operating under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in collaboration with social welfare and other ministries/ Organization, the agency took a lead role in providing both medical and social support to those most affected by drug addiction.

Rather than just speaking from a podium, team members worked directly in the communities to provide immediate relief, including:

• Medical Assistance: Actively cleaning and treating the physical sores often associated with chronic drug use (such as “Kush”).

• Direct Support: Working side-by-side with community leaders and those in charge to ensure the outreach was organized and effective.

Creating a Path to Recovery

The mission was not only about addressing the present crisis but also about offering a future. The NDLEA team engaged in one-on-one and group discussions regarding rehabilitation pathways. They provided clear guidance on:

• Where to seek professional help.

• How to navigate the recovery process.

• The social services available through the Ministry of Social Welfare, which supported the mission through counseling and official advocacy.

The communities involved were:

• Kroobay
• Kingtom
• King jimmy
• Mountain cut
• Lumley ( crab town and under bridge)
• Aberdeen
• Kissy mess mess
• Magazine community
• Calaba town
• Waterloo Bassa town

By combining law enforcement oversight with genuine humanitarian care, the NDLEA demonstrated a commitment to healing communities from the inside out. This inter-ministerial collaboration ensured that the fight against drug abuse was fought with both authority and empathy.