In a fresh push to combat drug abuse among youths in Kano State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), through its Strategic Command in the state, has announced a partnership with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited, the promoters of the indigenous boxing sport known as “dambe.”
The collaboration was formalised during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA office in Kano by the leadership of the traditional boxing group, led by the King of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti. The visit is part of a series of activities ahead of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated globally every June 26 under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The NDLEA, under the leadership of the Strategic Commander, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, stated that the initiative is designed to leverage the popularity of traditional sports, especially dambe, to positively engage the youth, sensitise the public, and promote a drug-free society. Represented at the event by the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Maimuna Garba, Idris-Ahmad expressed the agency’s commitment to adopting grassroots-oriented strategies that will resonate with local communities and steer young people away from substance abuse.
He praised the Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion for taking proactive steps to use sports as a platform for advocacy and awareness, adding that community-based approaches are essential in tackling the root causes of drug addiction and trafficking. He also commended the NDLEA Officer in Charge of Sports, Jamilu Uba-Adamu, for his innovative use of sports as a tool for drug education and prevention.
According to the NDLEA, the partnership will feature a series of community sensitisation activities, traditional boxing events, and public engagement sessions, all aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug use and the importance of seeking help when needed. The campaign also intends to dispel myths surrounding drug use and encourage a culture of support, resilience, and wellness in communities across Kano State.
The agency reiterated that drug abuse is a major contributor to criminal behaviour and insecurity, stressing the need for all stakeholders to unite in addressing the problem from its roots. As part of the UNODC global campaign this month, the NDLEA is calling on community leaders, civil society groups, and traditional institutions to support the initiative and promote alternative forms of youth engagement.
In his remarks, the traditional boxing monarch, Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, hailed the NDLEA for its sustained efforts in the fight against drug abuse and called for sustained synergy between both organisations. He noted that a significant number of violent crimes are committed under the influence of drugs, and described the new partnership as a step in the right direction towards reducing drug-induced criminality.
Danliti assured that Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited remains committed to supporting the NDLEA’s campaign, adding that sports — particularly those rooted in cultural identity — can play a transformative role in shaping the mindset of young people and keeping them away from vices.
“With this partnership, we hope to use traditional boxing not just as entertainment, but as a channel for education, discipline, and social reorientation,” he said.
The collaboration between the NDLEA and traditional sports promoters marks a strategic shift in drug demand reduction efforts, one that blends cultural relevance with public health advocacy in the fight against narcotics in Kano State.
