The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a groundbreaking intervention capable of reshaping Nigeria’s national response to drug abuse, addiction, and youth vulnerability.
HURIWA said the initiative by the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reflects a forward-thinking strategy that recognises that the war against illicit drugs must also be fought in the minds, attitudes, and daily culture of the people.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko in a statement on Friday indicated that while arrests, seizures, and prosecutions remain important, the long-term victory against narcotics and substance abuse lies in prevention, education, and sustained social reorientation.
“The launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM represents more than just another radio station. It is a national consciousness project designed to challenge the dangerous glorification of drugs and redirect young Nigerians toward responsible living, productivity, and hope,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group noted that many young people are increasingly exposed to toxic social influences that portray drug abuse as fashionable or harmless, warning that such trends have contributed significantly to rising insecurity, cult violence, mental health challenges, school dropouts, and organised crime.
HURIWA therefore commended General Marwa for introducing what it described as a “soft-power strategy” in the anti-drug campaign through media advocacy, public engagement, and value-based communication.
The association also praised the NDLEA for its recent high-profile operation that uncovered and dismantled one of the largest illegal hard drugs manufacturing factories ever detected in Nigeria, describing the feat as evidence of the agency’s growing operational strength and intelligence capacity.
According to HURIWA, the commendation recently extended to the NDLEA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further validates the agency’s renewed effectiveness under Marwa’s leadership and demonstrates that the fight against drug cartels has become a major national security priority.
HURIWA observed that drug trafficking and substance abuse continue to fuel criminal networks, violent extremism, kidnapping, and social instability across several parts of the country. It therefore urged citizens, families, schools, faith-based institutions, media organisations, and community leaders to support the NDLEA’s advocacy-driven approach to prevention and rehabilitation.
The group further called on the Federal Government and development partners to increase funding and institutional support for rehabilitation centres, intelligence operations, youth counselling programmes, and modern surveillance technology to strengthen the anti-drug war.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria cannot successfully tackle insecurity and social breakdown without confronting the drug epidemic driving many criminal activities nationwide.