The Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tijani Rabe, has identified sports as a vital tool in curbing drug abuse and other social vices among Nigerian youths.

Rabe made this known on Tuesday when executive members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State Chapter, paid a working visit to the agency’s office in Abeokuta as part of activities marking the 5th edition of the SWAN Security Cup.

Represented by the Deputy Commander in charge of Narcotics, Mrs. Ifeoma Eucharia, Rabe explained that sports provide a healthy alternative to idleness, which often drives young people into drug abuse.

 “One of the reasons people, especially youths, turn to drugs is boredom. Sports will engage the mind and take away that boredom. It is one of our strategies to prevent drug abuse,” he said.

He, however, raised concern about athletes who resort to performance-enhancing drugs or misuse painkillers, warning that such practices damage vital organs including the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Rabe commended SWAN for fostering community engagement with security agencies through the Security Cup tournament, which he described as a platform to rebuild public trust and strengthen civil-security relations. He further urged the association to expand the competition to include indoor games such as volleyball, table tennis, badminton, scrabble, boxing, and indigenous games like Ayo Olopon.

Speaking earlier, SWAN Chairman in Ogun State, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, praised the NDLEA for its relentless fight against drug abuse, stressing that the SWAN Security Cup aims to consolidate peace and unity among security outfits in the state.