In a sweeping operation aimed at tackling the growing scourge of drug abuse among minors, the Borno State Government has rescued 73 underage children found abusing substances across various parts of Maiduguri, the state capital.
The children, aged between 12 and 15 years, were apprehended from hot spots such as Bulabulin Kasuwa and Gwange Kasan Gada during a targeted intervention led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The exercise followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media showing a teenage boy openly admitting to drug use—a clip that drew nationwide concern and prompted swift government response.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry, the rescued children were not only involved in substance abuse but were also reportedly vulnerable to recruitment into criminal activities.
Speaking after the operation, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, described the intervention as a decisive and compassionate move to salvage the lives of at-risk children and safeguard the future of Borno’s youth.
“We are not here to punish these children. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate them into society,” Gambo said while addressing the minors before their transfer.
The children have since been relocated to the Bulumkuttu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, where they will undergo comprehensive therapy, counselling, and reintegration programs overseen by trained professionals and social workers.
Commissioner Gambo emphasized that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum remains deeply committed to protecting vulnerable children from the dangers of street life, substance addiction, and exploitation.
“You are still very young and deserve a better future,” she told the rescued children. “This government is determined to give you a second chance to live meaningfully and responsibly.”
She added that the ministry, in collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations, would continue proactive street-level operations across the state to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate more children at risk.
Gambo noted that the ministry is also working to address the root causes of child vulnerability and drug abuse through a multi-sectoral approach involving education, mental health support, community awareness, and social protection programs.
“This intervention is part of our broader strategy to eliminate the factors that push children into drug use and street life,” she said. “We will continue to trace and rescue more children as part of our mandate to build a healthier and safer Borno.”
The commissioner called on parents, community leaders, and civil society groups to take collective responsibility in safeguarding children and supporting the government’s drive toward eradicating youth drug abuse.
The initiative reinforces the Zulum administration’s reputation for proactive and humane governance, especially in tackling social crises affecting vulnerable populations.
