In a concerning development that underscores the growing drug abuse crisis in Nigeria, the Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has decried the alarming rate of cannabis and “loud” consumption, especially among the youth. The agency says the situation threatens public health, security, and the socio-economic fabric of communities across the state.
Speaking during the “Public Destruction of Drug Exhibits” event held in Ipara town along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Narcotics Commander of the Oyo NDLEA Command, Mr. Olayinka Joe-Fadile, disclosed that cannabis sativa has now evolved into more potent and costly strains known as “loud,” which include brands such as Scottish Loud, Canadian Loud, and Arizona Loud.
“These substances are not only dangerously potent but also significantly more expensive than traditional cannabis,” Joe-Fadile said, stressing that the health implications are grave. “They may offer temporary stimulation, but ultimately, they destroy the mental and physical well-being of users, leading to painful and gradual deterioration.”
According to the NDLEA, Oyo State has witnessed a disturbing rise in illicit drug use, with loud becoming the drug of choice among many young people, including students and artisans. The trend, driven by peer pressure, poor mental health awareness, and ease of access, is contributing to a surge in addiction-related cases and behavioral disorders.
“This is a clarion call to parents, guardians, and community leaders to be more vigilant,” Joe-Fadile urged. “The youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow, are being consumed by this menace. We need a collective effort to save them.”
He emphasized that while some young people mistakenly believe that these drugs enhance creativity or performance, scientific evidence and real-life outcomes show otherwise. “These drugs gradually destroy brain function, damage internal organs, and lead to irreversible mental illness if not addressed early,” he said.
In a show of strengthened collaboration, multiple NDLEA state commands under Zones 9 and 11 jointly destroyed over 1.6 million kilogrammes of seized illicit substances in Ipara, Ogun State. These included cannabis, loud, cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics.
The participating commands included those from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border, and Seme Border.
“In the past, each command handled its drug destruction separately,” Joe-Fadile explained. “But in the spirit of synergy and impact, we came together this year to make a more powerful statement against drug trafficking and abuse.”
He credited the success of the operation to the cordial relationship between the NDLEA and sister security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Loud is a slang term for high-grade, genetically modified cannabis strains, known for their intense psychoactive effects. Unlike traditional cannabis sativa, loud is often laced with synthetic additives that make it more addictive and dangerous. According to healthcare professionals, loud can cause hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, and in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies.
Dr. Esther Olayemi, a psychiatric specialist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, confirmed that more patients are being admitted for drug-induced psychosis linked to loud consumption.
“We are seeing more young adults, especially those between ages 16 to 25, presenting with severe mental health issues due to loud. The effects are devastating, and recovery can take years—if full recovery is even possible,” she warned.
Stakeholders are calling on both the government and the private sector to invest in preventive drug education, especially at the secondary and tertiary school levels. They also urge the creation of more functional rehabilitation centers in both urban and rural areas.
“We must go beyond arresting drug users. There must be serious investment in awareness, counseling, vocational training, and reintegration for recovering addicts,” said youth advocate, Blessing Adebayo, during a panel session in Ibadan last month.
While NDLEA’s enforcement drive is commendable, experts argue that there needs to be a corresponding investment in demand reduction strategies. These include:
- Community-based awareness campaigns
- Early warning systems in schools
- Parental engagement programs
- Regulation of pharmaceutical outlets selling controlled substances without prescriptions
- Deployment of tech-based monitoring to track drug trafficking networks
A bill currently before the National Assembly seeks to increase penalties for illegal drug cultivation and trafficking, while also recommending a national policy on mental health and substance abuse prevention.
As cannabis and loud use rise sharply in Oyo and other states, the NDLEA’s warning should be seen as a wake-up call. With over a million youths potentially exposed to these substances, the time for action is now. From parents to policy-makers, communities to security operatives, the fight against drug abuse must be united, proactive, and sustained. If left unchecked, the consequences for public health, national productivity, and security could be irreversible.