By DESMOND EJIBAS

Drug Free World Africa (DFWA), an advocacy group based in Port Harcourt, has expressed concern over the growing use of harmful drugs among young people in the country.

The group’s Country Representative, Dr Lina Okereke, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

She said that drug use remained one of the major threats to society, with young people increasingly using drugs day by day.

“Drug abuse is increasingly destroying lives, fuelling crime and insecurity, causing mental illness and physical and psychological dependence, straining relationships and undermining community development,” she said.

Lina cautioned that shielding drug traffickers weakens the collective fight against the menace and endangers the future of young people and the nation as a whole.

She advised parents and guardians to support the government by educating their children and wards about the consequences of taking hard drugs.

“Prevention, awareness and integrity remain critical tools in the fight against drug abuse,” she said.

The country representative commended the Nigerian Army for its decision to investigate recent allegations of military protection of drug peddlers in parts of the country.

According to her, the move by the army reflects professionalism, accountability and a strong commitment to safeguarding national security and restoring public trust.

“DFWA commends the Nigerian Army for choosing transparency and internal discipline, which sends a clear message that the fight against drug abuse must be uncompromising and free from institutional protection,” Lina added.

She called on sister security agencies, community leaders, stakeholders and parents to strengthen collaboration in ensuring a drug-free, safe, and healthy society for all Nigerians. (NAN)