Borno’s Unconventional Crisis: Youths’ Fermented Urine Fixation Stumps Anti-Drug War

Borno’s Unconventional Crisis: Youths’ Fermented Urine Fixation Stumps Anti-Drug War

In the ongoing battle against substance abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) faces an unexpected challenge as Borno State’s youth turn to unconventional substances, such as fermented urine and ‘gutter juice,’ eluding the reach of existing laws….READ MORE

NDLEA operative Abdullahi Sardauna expressed frustration over the limitations of the agency’s mandate, which doesn’t cover substances like fermented urine, lizard dung, or perfumed mouthwash.

The consumption of unconventional psychotropic substances has become a worrying trend, spreading like wildfire among Nigerian youth. In 2018, the North-East region registered a 13.6% drug prevalence rate, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Narcotics. The NDLEA’s hands are tied as it grapples with the rising popularity of substances that fall outside the legal framework.

The NDLEA’s response has shifted from legal enforcement to public awareness campaigns, highlighting the health hazards associated with both banned and unconventional substances. However, the agency acknowledges that sensitization lacks the force of the law, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative coverage of emerging substances. Borno State Commandant of the NDLEA, Ilyasu Mani, emphasized the agency’s role in raising awareness but stressed the importance of legal measures to enforce compliance.

The unconventional substances range from fermented urine, soaked handkerchiefs, and gutter waste water to graveyard leaves, presenting a complex challenge for anti-drug efforts. As the NDLEA grapples with the uncharted territory of unconventional substance abuse, there’s a growing consensus on the need for legal amendments to address this evolving crisis threatening the well-being of Nigeria’s youth.