Nigeria's drug law enforcement agency has ordered an immediate crackdown on the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas.

In a statement on their website, the head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Gen. Mohamed Marwa, said the strict decision "follows an analysis of the effects on those who abuse the substance".

Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an anaesthetic in medicine and dentistry, and in whipped cream cannisters.

The gas can make the user relaxed, giggly, light-headed or dizzy.

However, there are some serious health effects associated with the continued use of the gas such as headaches and in more serious cases fainting.

The agency urged parents and guardians to remain attentive to their children's actions adding that it "poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing".