Drug Abuse Driving Terrorism, Kidnapping and Rising Crime in Nigeria – Stakeholders Raise Alarm
Security experts, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups have warned that the growing rate of substance abuse among Nigerian youths is fueling terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes across the country. The stakeholders made the observation during a seminar focused on the link between drug abuse and national insecurity.
Speaking at the event titled “Substance Abuse and National Insecurity: Building Responsible Youth Through Entrepreneurship,” held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations have repeatedly shown a strong connection between illicit drug use and criminal activities. He noted that many young people are vulnerable to substance abuse due to a lack of opportunities, mentorship, and proper guidance.
According to Babaseyi, insecurity often begins with seemingly minor decisions that gradually erode self-discipline, moral values, and respect for the law. He explained that crimes such as armed robbery, cult violence, rape, cybercrime, and kidnapping are frequently committed by individuals under the influence of hard drugs, while criminal groups often recruit and exploit drug-dependent youths for illegal operations.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also expressed concern over the increasing abuse of substances including cannabis, methamphetamine, tramadol, Rohypnol, and locally mixed drugs commonly known as “skuchies” and “colos.” Represented by Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Yusuf Orisadare, the agency stated that tackling drug abuse could significantly reduce the prevalence of robbery, banditry, terrorism, murder, and other violent offences.
Stakeholders at the seminar stressed that economic hardship and unemployment continue to push many young people toward criminal activities. President of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, Dapo Wahab, argued that entrepreneurship and skills acquisition remain effective tools for preventing crime, adding that empowering youths with legitimate opportunities is essential for building safer communities.
Similarly, entrepreneur Mrs. Bola Solate and education advocate Adekunle Durosimi called for greater investment in youth development, access to start-up funding, and stronger parental guidance. They urged governments, schools, and community leaders to work together in combating substance abuse, emphasizing that productive and skilled youths are key to national growth, security, and long-term development.
