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The Borno State Government has arrested no fewer than 73 underage children over their alleged involvement in substance abuse.
The children were reportedly picked up from different locations, including Bulabulin Kasuwa and Gwange Kasan Gada.
According to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which led the exercise, the action was a bold and decisive step to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and the involvement of children in unlawful activities on the streets of Maiduguri.
DAILY POST reports that the move followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media showing a young boy, barely in his teens, openly admitting to abusing drugs.
In a statement from the ministry on Wednesday, many of the children, aged between 12 and 15 years, were not only abusing substances but also exposed to criminal activities.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, said the children were successfully taken off the streets and transferred to the Bulumkuttu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri.
Gambo said the children are expected to undergo comprehensive rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration programs under the care and supervision of the Borno State Government.
While addressing the children before their relocation, Gambo expressed deep concern over the rising trend of drug use among minors, stressing that the government would not stand by and watch the future of its youth being destroyed.
“You are still very young, and you deserve a better life than this. We are not here to punish you, but to support you. The Borno State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, is committed to giving you another chance to live a meaningful and responsible life,” she said.
The commissioner further stated that the ministry would continue to trace, rescue, and rehabilitate more children at risk across the state while working closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, community members, and NGOs to eliminate the root causes of drug abuse and child endangerment.
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