Hard drugs, substance abuse fuelling terrorism, kidnapping – Police, NDLEA warn
Substance Abuse Linked to Rising Crime in Nigeria, Officials Warn
Abeokuta, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and various civil society groups, has identified substance abuse among youth as a significant factor in the increasing rates of terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, and violent crime across Nigeria.
This assertion was made during a seminar held on Saturday in Abeokuta, organized by the Department of Mass Communication at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State. The seminar’s theme was “Substance Abuse and National Insecurity: Building Responsible Youth Through Entrepreneurship.”
In his address, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, noted that ongoing law enforcement investigations reveal narcotics as a major contributor to violent crime both in the state and nationwide. Babaseyi emphasized that neglecting the development of Nigeria’s large youth population could render them susceptible to criminal activities and substance addiction.
“National insecurity does not begin with terrorism or kidnapping; it often starts with small personal choices that erode self-control, moral judgment, and respect for the law,” Babaseyi explained. He highlighted that crimes like armed robbery, cult clashes, rape, and cybercrime are predominantly committed by individuals under the influence of illegal drugs. He further indicated that criminal organizations exploit these addicted youths to ensure compliance within their ranks.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, the command is implementing intelligence-led community policing, school outreach initiatives, and inter-agency collaborations to address crime more effectively.
Supporting this perspective, ASN Haris Musa, spokesperson for the NDLEA, remarked that there is a clear link between substance abuse and violent crime. Musa, represented by ASN Yusuf Orisadare, expressed concern over the rise of illicit drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamine, and dangerous concoctions often misused by youths.
“If drug abuse can be effectively addressed, issues like robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and murder can be significantly curtailed,” Orisadare stated. He noted that the agency has achieved several convictions, including a notable case involving a 78-year-old man sentenced to 28 years in prison for drug-related offenses.
Dapo Wahab, president of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, stressed that despair remains a major threat to Nigerian youth, pushing many towards cybercrime and substance dependency. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that integrates law enforcement with community-based strategies, emphasizing the need to empower youth through practical entrepreneurship.
“If we do not engage and empower our youth, criminal elements will step in to exploit them,” Wahab warned, reiterating that transforming hopelessness into productivity is essential for community security.
Mrs. Bola Solate, founder of M19 Event Consort, also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in combating youth unrest and social vices. She pointed out that unemployment and poverty often lead young people to destructive behaviors and urged government and financial institutions to improve access to startup funding.
“An idle hand may become a tool for crime, but a skilled hand can contribute to national development,” Solate asserted.
Mr. Adekunle Durosinmi, Center Director, cautioned that substance abuse poses a direct threat to national stability and called upon parents and educators to take proactive roles in monitoring and guiding young individuals. He urged all undergraduate students to reject drug abuse, focus on their studies, and explore innovative and entrepreneurial paths to secure a productive future.
