The Role of Ndlea in Reducing Drug Abuse Among Youth in Kano Metropolis

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the role of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in reducing drug abuse among youth in Kano metropolis. The research aimed to identify NDLEA's strategies, assess their effectiveness, identify challenges, and propose recommendations for improvement. Using a multi-cluster sampling technique, 200 respondents were selected from Kano metropolis, with 194 questionnaires successfully returned. Data collection involved structured questionnaires with both open and closed-ended questions, supplemented by interviews with key stakeholders. Findings revealed that NDLEA employs various strategies to combat youth drug abuse, with school-based educational campaigns (44.8%) being the most recognized, followed by media campaigns (26.8%) and community outreach programs (25.3%). Most anti-drug campaigns occur quarterly (42.3%) or monthly (33.5%). The primary methods used to prevent drug trafficking include surveillance and intelligence gathering (38.7%) and strict border and airport checks (29.9%). While 43.8% of respondents viewed NDLEA's efforts as moderately successful in reducing drug abuse rates, challenges persist, including inadequate funding (49% reporting significant impact), limited community cooperation (27.3%), and inadequate law enforcement support (21.7%). The research recommends increased resource allocation, expanded collaboration with NGOs and community leaders, diversified awareness programs including social media engagement, enhanced rehabilitation services alongside prevention efforts, improved youth involvement in program planning, and addressing cultural and language barriers to improve NDLEA's effectiveness in combating youth drug abuse in Kano metropolis.