Addressing Nigeria’s Growing Drug Abuse Crisis
Nigeria faces a serious drug abuse crisis, as illustrated by the recent murder of an NDLEA officer, Aliyu Imran. The NDLEA has lost many agents while targeting drug traffickers, with extensive seizures and arrests reported. Drug abuse rates remain high, contributing to health crises and social issues. Effective strategies and technology are critical for combating this ongoing challenge.
Nigeria is confronting a significant challenge with drug abuse, highlighted by a tragic incident in February 2024 when a mob killed Aliyu Imran, a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer, during an enforcement action. This underscores the grave risks faced by NDLEA agents as they strive to combat drug trafficking, which poses a threat to society and must be addressed by all levels of government and security agencies.
The NDLEA, led by Chairman/CEO Buba Marwa, has witnessed the deaths of numerous officers since its inception in 1989. Imran’s death occurred while pursuing a suspected drug dealer, whose violent evasion led to public retaliation against the officers. Tragically, Imran was attacked and subsequently killed, despite being hospitalized after the initial assault.
The agency has faced multiple tragedies, with several officers killed in various states over the years. Notable incidents include the murders of three officers in Kogi State in October 2017 and several other deadly attacks in 2018, 2019, and 2022. These incidents reveal the dangerous climate for those involved in drug law enforcement.
While previous governments have attempted to tackle drug-related issues, the ongoing situation remains dire. The NDLEA has seized significant quantities of drugs including heroin, cocaine, and synthetic substances, alongside implementing educational and enforcement measures to curb drug abuse.
Recent NDLEA data indicates that drug abuse is most prevalent in the South-West region of Nigeria, with an overall national drug abuse rate of 14.4 percent among individuals aged 15 to 64. The NDLEA has reported arresting over 57,792 traffickers and seizing more than 9.9 million kilograms of drugs over the last four years.
In 2024 alone, the NDLEA intercepted 2.6 kilograms of hard drugs, arresting 18,500 criminals involved in drug trafficking. Significant seizures were made at the Tincan Island Strategic Port in Lagos, where 339,576.91 kilograms of drugs valued at approximately N134.2 billion were confiscated. This highlights the extensive scale of drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The United Nations has classified drug abuse as harmful and has linked it to numerous societal issues, such as violence, addiction, and mental health problems among youths. These factors raise serious concerns regarding the potential for a drug epidemic in Nigeria, as the country grapples with both consumption and trafficking.
Unfortunately, drug trafficking networks remain resilient, often using innovative methods to evade law enforcement. The problem has infiltrated schools, with students encountering drug-laced cookies. Various individuals participate in the transport of drugs, including those who risk severe penalties in countries with strict anti-drug laws.
The National Drug Control Masterplan acknowledges the rise of additional substances, such as the opioid tramadol, which has seen massive increases in smuggling across West Africa. Meanwhile, the NDLEA is working to detect and dismantle drug manufacturing operations within Nigeria.
The challenge is compounded by the stigma surrounding drug abuse among women, making it harder to identify and treat addiction in this demographic. Globally, the hard drug trade represents an extensive and lucrative market, with drug-seeking countries often categorized as narco states. Nigeria finds itself in this troubling classification along with Ghana and Guinea-Bissau.
To combat these issues effectively, the NDLEA must not become complacent and should target both traffickers and major drug barons. The judiciary must enforce stringent penalties for coca trafficking, following international practices. The Nigerian government is urged to invest in technology to bolster the agency’s capabilities in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
The ongoing battle against drug abuse in Nigeria highlights the significant risks faced by enforcement agencies, exemplified by the tragic murder of NDLEA officer Aliyu Imran. With a growing drug crisis impacting society across various regions, coordinated efforts are urgently needed from all levels of government and law enforcement. As the NDLEA continues to make significant drug seizures and arrests, it is crucial that both judicial measures and technological advancements support its efforts to curb this pervasive issue.
Original Source: punchng.com
