President Muhammadu Buhari has suggested that the effects of drug abuse in the country was worse than acts of insecurity and banditry.
He made the comment at the launch of War Against Drug Abuse held in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
The President spoke through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
He directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to develop a robust community engagement strategy, and destroy cannabis plantation and production sites of criminals within the forests, particularly in the South-West and South-South.
NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, also lamented the pervasive abuse of cannabis among Nigerians.
According to him, about ten point six million Nigerians are actively abusing the substance.
He said Nigeria is the highest user of cannabis globally, a trend which has contributed to the insecurity in the country.