Gov’t introduces mental health and drug tests for security recruits amid suicide concerns – Interior Minister

The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has revealed that the government is introducing mental health assessments and drug testing into medical screening for security service recruits, following concerns about drug use among personnel and suicide cases within the services.

He disclosed that the government was requiring security agencies to establish dedicated welfare desks to pay closer attention to officers experiencing difficulties, including those facing mental health and drug-related challenges.

The minister further highlighted the growing concern over drug-related activities among young people, revealing that the Narcotics Control Commission conducted more than 2,117 drug education programmes nationwide in 2025.