Addressing Nigeria’s Escalating Drug Abuse Crisis

Nigeria is grappling with a severe drug crisis, underscored by the disturbing lynching of NDLEA officer Aliyu Imran. The nation faces pervasive drug trafficking and abuse, with high statistics of arrests and drug seizures reported by the NDLEA. Increased efforts are necessary at all government levels to enhance law enforcement strategies and tackle the underlying issues in society effectively.

Nigeria is facing an escalating problem with drug abuse and trafficking, exemplified by a recent incident in Kaduna State where National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer Aliyu Imran was lynched during an operation. This tragic event underscores the risks faced by NDLEA personnel and the pressing need for comprehensive strategies at all levels of government to combat drug-related issues in society. With hundreds of officers lost to violence since its inception in 1989, action is overdue.

Imran’s death occurred while he and his team were pursuing a suspected drug dealer who, in fleeing, caused multiple fatalities. The mob subsequently attacked Imran after he was taken to the hospital, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement in this critical fight against illegal narcotics. Since 2017, several NDLEA officers have been murdered across different states, evidencing the perilous conditions under which they operate.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria has launched extensive initiatives against drug trafficking and abuse since the late ’80s, targeting drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines. The NDLEA has successfully executed numerous intelligence-driven operations leading to significant drug seizures at key locations like ports and major highway checkpoints. Awareness programs and patrols have also been implemented to mitigate the issue across the nation.

Recent NDLEA reports indicate that drug abuse is most prevalent in the South-West, with over 57,792 drug traffickers arrested in the past four years. This includes the capture of 10,572 individuals who have been convicted, with over nine million kilograms of drugs seized nationally. In 2024 alone, the NDLEA intercepted significant quantities of narcotics, emphasizing the scale of the operation as authorities work tirelessly against entrenched illicit drug networks.

The United Nations identifies Nigeria, with 14.4 percent of its population aged 15-64 admitting to drug abuse, as facing a potential health crisis. The socio-economic repercussions are vast, leading to increased addiction, violence, and criminal activity, especially among the youth. Examples include drug-laced cookies given to school children, demonstrating how drug culture penetrates even the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Research indicates that the drug trafficking landscape in Nigeria encompasses various substances, including synthetic opioids like tramadol, used rampant across the West African region. Clandestine laboratories have been uncovered, producing both cannabis and amphetamines, underscoring the need for proactive law enforcement action. With increased hidden drug abuse among women, this long-stigmatized issue presents additional barriers to early detection and treatment.

Globally, the hard drug trade is valued at approximately $360 billion, with Nigeria labeled a narco state alongside Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Although recent efforts by the NDLEA under Chairman Buba Marwa have gained traction, persistent pressure is necessary against lower-level operatives and traffickers. Enhanced judicial actions against drug couriers and their backers are essential to curb this growing crisis effectively.

The government, particularly under Bola Tinubu’s leadership, should explore advanced technologies to bolster the NDLEA’s capabilities against drug trafficking. This will ensure sustained momentum in the fight against substance abuse for safer communities.

In summary, Nigeria’s escalating drug crisis necessitates immediate and cohesive actions from local, state, and federal entities. High-profile cases like the lynching of NDLEA officer Aliyu Imran highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement and the urgent need for comprehensive drug control strategies. These must encompass enhanced intelligence operations, judicial accountability, and the adoption of new technologies to effectively combat drug trafficking and its societal impacts.

Original Source: punchng.com