Drug abuse

By Lamara Garba

For years, the menace of drug abuse has remained one of the most troubling challenges confronting Nigerian society, particularly its young population. What begins with substance use can develop into addiction, broken family relationships, school dropout, unemployment, violence and criminality. In many communities, the consequences are no longer hidden.

The problem has assumed an even more worrying dimension in Kano, where drug abuse has increasingly been linked with street violence, gang activities, thuggery popularly known as DABA, phone snatching and other social vices.

Available national data indicate the enormity of the challenge. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting, citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, reported that about 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64, representing more than 14.3 million people, use psychoactive substances non medically, while more than three million suffer from severe drug use disorders. The same report, citing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency data, put Kano’s prevalence at about 16 per cent, making it one of the most affected states in the North West.

It is against this disturbing background that the Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, moved to establish a multi agency response to the problem.

On 22 July 2026, the Governor inaugurated the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado as Chairman. The initiative brought together security, law enforcement, health, traditional, religious and civil society stakeholders in a coordinated effort to confront drug abuse, illicit trafficking and their associated criminal activities.

Two months later, the emerging record of the Task Force presents a picture of an intervention that has moved rapidly from policy declaration to field operations.

Addresing the Media to Mark the two Months of operation on Tuesday 22nd September, 2026 the Chairman of the Task Force Alhaji Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado aaira more than 380 suspects have been arrested, while over 230 convictions have been secured, according to the Chairman’s latest briefing.

For a state battling a problem as complex as drug abuse, these figures are more than statistics. They offer a glimpse into the scale of criminal activity taking place around drug markets, while also showing the extent of the enforcement response that has been mobilised.

The operations have taken the Task Force into locations identified as drug joints and criminal black spots, including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and other areas within the metropolis and beyond.

The approach has been to dislodge the gathering points where drug users, dealers and suspected criminals converge, rather than simply wait for individual offenders to appear elsewhere.

Earlier operations had already shown the breadth of the challenge. In August, the Task Force carried out raids in Rimin Gado and Doka communities, arresting 28 suspects and recovering assorted illicit substances. The Chairman said the operations would extend beyond the metropolis to all 44 local government areas of the state.

By September, the scale of the operations had increased. Another operation involving Gandun Albasa, Kasuwar Rimi, Fagge and railway areas resulted in the arrest of at least 70 suspected drug users and others allegedly involved in related activities. The Task Force also announced a target of removing 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets for rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration.

Behind these operations is an understanding that the drug problem does not exist in isolation.

It is connected to a wider ecosystem of criminality. The Task Force Chairman says some drug joints serve as meeting points for individuals who later engage in DABA, phone snatching and other forms of street violence. The decision to combine drug enforcement with action against gang related activities therefore represents an attempt to address some of the consequences surrounding substance abuse at the same time.

Several suspected gang members have been arrested and convicted, including individuals identified as Abdullahi Ahmad, popularly known as Horror, Abubakar Sada, known as Daburi, Abdullahi Sani, known as Sarki Ale, and Umar Aliyu.

The message from the Task Force is that drug abuse and associated criminal behaviour will no longer be treated as ordinary street activities.

But perhaps the most disturbing dimension of the campaign is the vulnerability of children.

In one of the cases that has attracted considerable attention, 43 underage children were rescued after investigations indicated that some of them, while engaged in street scavenging, were allegedly supplied with rubber solution and other intoxicating substances instead of receiving appropriate payment for their services.

Two men, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, known as Mani, were subsequently convicted. Each received a cumulative nine year prison sentence without an option of fine, according to the Task Force and reports of the court proceedings.

The case is significant because it exposes another face of the drug crisis.

Children who should be protected from intoxicating substances were allegedly being drawn into a cycle of exploitation and substance abuse. For such children, intervention cannot end with the arrest of those responsible.

They need medical attention, counselling, family support, education and protection.

The 43 children rescued have undergone medical checks and are receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts continue to identify their families. Some have already been reunited with their relatives.

This combination of enforcement and protection is becoming a defining feature of the Task Force’s intervention.

The campaign has also exposed concerns around the diversion of controlled medicines from legitimate supply chains.

The Task Force says it seized about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin from a pharmaceutical company in the state over suspected diversion for illicit use.

The concern is not limited to street dealers. It raises questions about the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the responsibility of companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and other personnel to ensure that controlled medicines do not find their way into illicit markets.

The Chairman has consequently called on pharmaceutical stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and cooperate with inspections and investigations.

The scale of controlled medicine seizures in Kano has also been reflected in separate NDLEA operations. In September, the agency reported the seizure of 785,000 Pregabalin capsules weighing more than 669 kilograms in Sabon Gari, Kano, in an operation that resulted in the arrest of a 20 year old suspect.

Such developments demonstrate that the drug problem is not simply a matter of individuals consuming substances on the streets. It also involves supply networks, distribution channels and access to controlled medicines.

The Task Force has therefore adopted a broad enforcement approach that brings together several agencies.

Police, NDLEA, DSS, NSCDC, Correctional Service, Hisbah, KAROTA and other stakeholders are participating in the operations.

The multi agency character is important because no single institution possesses all the powers, intelligence, personnel and facilities required to tackle a problem of this magnitude.

The Kano Government has also provided operational support to strengthen the campaign. In August, five new vehicles were handed over to the Task Force to enhance mobility, field operations and intelligence coordination.

Yet, perhaps the most important shift in the strategy is the recognition that enforcement alone cannot end drug abuse.

A person addicted to drugs may be arrested, prosecuted or convicted, but if the underlying problem remains untreated, another vulnerable young person can take his or her place.

The Task Force has therefore combined enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Its sensitisation campaign has taken the anti drug message into communities, schools, markets, religious institutions and other public spaces. The objective is to prevent young people from entering the cycle in the first place.

At the same time, individuals already affected by drug abuse are being referred for rehabilitation.

About 125 people have been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for treatment and rehabilitation.

The growing demand for rehabilitation has, however, created another challenge. The Kiru facility has reportedly reached capacity as more families voluntarily seek help for relatives affected by drug abuse.

Rather than viewing this only as a problem, the Task Force sees the increasing demand for rehabilitation as an indication that families are becoming more willing to seek assistance.

The Kano State Government has consequently provided an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to expand rehabilitation services.

The new facility is expected to provide space for more people requiring treatment and rehabilitation.

But recovery is only one stage of the process. What happens after rehabilitation may determine whether the intervention produces lasting results.

A young person who leaves rehabilitation without employment, skills, family support or a productive means of livelihood can easily become vulnerable to the same environment that contributed to the original problem.

This is why the Task Force is now engaging industrial stakeholders and other partners on employment, skills acquisition and economic reintegration.

The stated target is ambitious: to take 10,000 youths off the streets, rehabilitate them, equip them with useful skills and reintegrate them into society.

The plan represents a shift from seeing drug users only through the lens of enforcement to recognising that some require medical, psychological, social and economic intervention.

Recent reports indicate that the Task Force’s rehabilitation proposal includes medical detoxification, structured rehabilitation, vocational training and support for economic reintegration. The Chairman has identified trades and practical skills as part of the strategy for helping beneficiaries become economically productive.

This approach also places an important responsibility on the wider society.

Government can provide facilities. Security agencies can make arrests. Courts can determine cases. Health professionals can provide treatment. Trainers can provide skills.

But communities must provide acceptance and support for those who successfully complete rehabilitation.

Families must be willing to participate in the recovery process. Employers and businesses must be prepared to provide opportunities. Religious and traditional institutions must continue to educate communities. Civil society organisations must support prevention and reintegration.

The media, too, has an important role to play.

Reporting the number of arrests and seizures may communicate the scale of enforcement, but sustained public education requires deeper storytelling about prevention, treatment, recovery and the consequences of drug abuse.

The first two months of the Kano Task Force therefore tell two stories at once.

The first is the disturbing magnitude of the problem.

More than 380 arrests, over 230 convictions, the dismantling of drug joints, the recovery of illicit substances and weapons, cases involving vulnerable children, alleged diversion of controlled medicines and the disruption of phone snatching and gang networks all point to a challenge that extends well beyond individual drug consumption.

The second story is the emergence of a coordinated response.

The Task Force has brought enforcement agencies and other stakeholders together, moved into identified black spots, pursued prosecutions, rescued vulnerable children, expanded sensitisation, referred affected individuals for rehabilitation and begun planning for skills acquisition and reintegration.

The journey is still at an early stage.

Two months is not enough to declare victory over a problem that has developed over many years. Indeed, the scale of the arrests and seizures suggests that the challenge remains substantial.

What the first two months demonstrate is that the response has moved from concern to organised action.

The real measure of success in the months ahead will not only be the number of arrests or convictions. It will also be whether fewer young people enter the cycle of substance abuse, whether vulnerable children are protected, whether rehabilitation produces sustainable recovery, whether former users find productive livelihoods and whether communities become safer.

For Kano, therefore, the next phase may be even more important than the first.

The foundations of enforcement have been laid. Rehabilitation facilities are being expanded. Prevention activities are reaching communities. A target of 10,000 youths has been set.

The challenge now is to sustain the momentum, strengthen coordination and ensure that every intervention, from the street corner to the courtroom and from the rehabilitation centre to the workplace, contributes to the same objective.

A drug free society cannot be created by arrests alone.

It requires prevention before addiction, intervention when addiction occurs, justice where criminality is established, rehabilitation for those who need it and opportunity for those seeking a second chance.

That is the larger test facing Kano’s anti drug campaign.

Two months into the operation, the Task Force has shown that the state has begun confronting the problem on several fronts.

The months ahead will determine how far that coordinated response can transform the lives of those caught in the drug crisis and restore confidence in communities that have long lived with its consequences.

Lamara Garba, mnipr, is a member of the Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

By Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke

Drug abuse has become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Many young Nigerians have fallen prey to the lure of sedatives and other illicit substances, often without a doctor’s prescription. This trend is not only alarming but also devastating, as it has the potential to destroy the future of these young individuals.

The victims of drug abuse often mistakenly believe that getting high will help them cope with depression and other emotional challenges. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Drug abuse only serves to exacerbate these problems, leading to a downward spiral of addiction, health issues, and social problems. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and devastating, affecting not only the individual but also their families and communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), substance abuse can affect brain development and growth in youth, leading to risky behaviors, mental health issues, and a host of other problems. The physical effects of drug use on youth include paranoia and hallucinations, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations, heart attack or failure, stroke, seizures, and sleep disorders. In addition to these physical effects, drug abuse can also have severe mental and emotional consequences, including poor judgment, declines in academic performance, dependence on drugs, and mental health disorders.

There is a strong link between substance abuse and delinquency. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, youth who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes, including violent and income-generating crimes. This is evident in the recent disorderliness in Nigeria, which could be attributed to drug abuse. A great percentage of perpetrators who have been brought to book are victims of drug abuse. Their masters brainwash them and furnish them with illicit drugs before sending them on evil errands.

To address the scourge of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, it is essential that we work together to create a safer and healthier society. This requires a collective effort from parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies. We must also support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking. By working together, we can help to prevent the spread of illicit substances and provide support to those affected by drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. It is essential that we recognize the dangers of drug abuse and take action to prevent it.

Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad has destroyed illicit drugs estimated at about N50 million after carrying out raids in different parts of Awka, the state capital.

Managing Director of the squad, Monday Nwokoye, disclosed this on Saturday during an operation conducted across several locations in the city.

He said the suspects arrested during the exercise had been transferred to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

According to him, the operation followed intelligence reports gathered by the agency as part of efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and touting activities in the state.

Nwokoye also warned residents involved in the sale and consumption of illegal substances to stop such activities or face legal action.

“The raid underscores the state government’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State. It is a significant enforcement exercise carried out after credible intelligence gathering across various locations.

“Illicit drugs estimated to be worth about N50m were found and destroyed, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and touting.

“It is our quest to ensure that Anambra is rid of touting, hard drugs, and all forms of crimes and criminality. The hard drugs were recovered from Awka and its environs.

“Those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two elderly men, aged 84 and 75, for allegedly supplying illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State.

The suspects, identified as Godfrey Orji, 84, and Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora, 75, were apprehended in separate operations following intelligence reports and investigations by the agency.

According to the NDLEA, Obiora was arrested on Friday, June 19, 2026, after intelligence revealed that he was allegedly selling illicit substances, including opioids, from a patent medicine store on Club Road in Umuahia.

A search of the shop led to the recovery of 4.64 kilograms of drugs, including tramadol and diazepam.

In a separate incident, Orji, a pensioner, was arrested after security personnel at Saint Silas Secondary School in Old Umuahia reportedly caught him supplying drugs to two teenage students.

He was initially handed over to the police before being transferred to the NDLEA on June 18 for further investigation.

The agency said one of the students, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) student, confessed that Orji supplied him with drugs, which he in turn distributed to other students within the school.

NDLEA said both suspects would face prosecution, while the students involved have been enrolled in counselling and rehabilitation programmes.

Elsewhere, the agency intercepted a 9.5-kilogram consignment of ADB-Chminaca, a synthetic cannabinoid classified as a dangerous psychoactive substance, at a courier company in Lagos.

The shipment, which originated from China, was concealed inside a carton.

Operatives also recovered 300 grams of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside ladies’ handbags at a logistics company in Lagos.

In another operation, NDLEA officers raided the residence of a wanted drug dealer, Lukman Badmus, in the Ogombo area of Ajah, Lagos, where they recovered codeine syrup and skunk.

A follow-up raid at his wife’s shop led to the seizure of additional drugs and related items. The agency said attempts to destroy evidence were thwarted by operatives.

In Kogi State, officers intercepted a suspect transporting methamphetamine concealed in custard containers along the Okene-Lokoja highway.

Meanwhile, a couple who had been on the run following the seizure of 117 kilograms of cannabis in Ekiti State were also arrested.

In Oyo State, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a building in the Dangote area of Oyo town, where operatives recovered 1,416 kilograms of skunk concealed in jumbo sacks covered with sawdust.

The agency further disclosed that several forest operations in Edo State resulted in the destruction of large cannabis plantations and the arrest of suspects linked to drug cultivation and trafficking.

NDLEA said it has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools, places of worship and communities nationwide as part of efforts to combat substance abuse.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged them to sustain the ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

By Ibrahim Abubakar Diso 

The Kano State Police Command has arrested several suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting illicit drug distribution across the state.

In one of the operations carried out at Nasarawa GRA, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad intercepted two men allegedly in possession of a sack containing 23 rolls of Tramadol, each made up of multiple sachets. 

The suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad, 30, and Murtala Sani, 34, reportedly admitted involvement in the illegal trade, while police say efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects linked to the supply chain.

In a separate operation in Gezawa Local Government Area, officers raided a known black spot in Dangari Village, where they arrested a 40-year-old suspect allegedly selling Cannabis Sativa. 

Police recovered 130 wraps and a half-block of suspected cannabis from him. In another arrest in Gezawa Misanda, a 25-year-old suspect was found with 10 wraps of suspected cannabis and bottles of rubber solution, believed to be used as inhalants.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their professionalism and praised residents for providing timely intelligence that aided the operations. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intensifying the crackdown on drug-related crime in the state.

The police said all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu 

The Sokoto Advancement Forum has postponed its scheduled summit on youth drug abuse in Sokoto State following a last-minute denial of its venue.

The brainstorming session, aimed at examining the growing challenge of drug abuse among Sokoto youth, was slated for today, May 2, 2026, at the Sokoto Guest Inn. This was according to an earlier press release signed by Associate Professor Sajo Muhammad Sanyinna, Chairman of the Forum’s Media and Publicity Team.

However, the event was abruptly called off after the management of the Guest Inn informed organisers late Friday evening that the programme could not be held.

Addressing journalists at the venue, Professor Riskuwa, speaking for the Forum, thanked invited guests and members of the press for honouring the invitation and apologised for the inconvenience.

“Sokoto Advancement Forum thanks our invited guests for honouring our invitation to this brainstorming session on curbing drug abuse. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to postpone this activity to a later date,” Prof. Riskuwa said. 

He added: “Details of the reasons behind this postponement will be issued to newsmen. Once again, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. In sha Allah, we will keep you informed of the new date and venue for the brainstorming session, as well as of all our future activities. We pray Almighty Allah continues to bless our state and guide us to the right path.”

An apology letter signed by the Forum’s Secretary-General confirmed the development. It stated that the management of Sokoto Guest Inn contacted the Forum late on Friday, May 1, 2026, directing that the programme not be held. The hotel refunded the fees paid for the venue and, according to the letter, “stated clearly that the powers that be have insisted against the conduct of the brainstorming session.”

“It is pertinent to mention that all necessary arrangements were made for the conduct of the programme, but late evening of Friday, 1 May 2026, the attention of the Forum was drawn by management of Sokoto Guest Inn that the programme should not hold,” the letter read.

The Forum emphasised its non-partisan stance and reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Sokoto State.

“It is worth mentioning that Sokoto Advancement Forum remains undaunted in its commitment to contribute its quota to the development of Sokoto State in all areas of human endeavour. The Forum has remained non-partisan and will continuously seek the support of Government and all patriotic citizens in pursuit of its objectives,” the statement added.

Efforts to get a response from Sokoto Guest Inn on the reasons or individuals behind the venue denial were unsuccessful at press time.

However, some members of the Forum, who spoke off the record and requested anonymity, blamed political actors they believe view the Forum as a threat. They cited previous difficulties in securing venues in their earlier programs, noting that the current event was earlier scheduled to be held at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic before “some issues arose” that forced a change.

“Even this event was earlier scheduled to be held at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, but some issues arose, and we were denied,” one member said.

The Sokoto Advancement Forum comprises high-profile figures, intellectuals from institutions within and outside Sokoto, and Islamic clerics. The Forum, which describes itself as non-partisan, was said to have organised the summit in response to rising criminal activity and in light of the 2027 political atmosphere, to engage stakeholders in tackling the menace of drug abuse in the state.

Before the postponement, the venue was already filled with distinguished attendees. Islamic scholars, including Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, MNI, as well as intellectuals from institutions within and outside Sokoto, high-profile dignitaries, members of the press from local, national, and international media organisations, and prominent social media influencers, had all arrived to cover the event.

By Faith Mamman

Drug abuse has become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Many young Nigerians have fallen prey to the lure of sedatives and other illicit substances, often without a doctor’s prescription. This trend is not only alarming but also devastating, as it has the potential to destroy the future of these young individuals.

The victims of drug abuse often mistakenly believe that getting high will help them cope with depression and other emotional challenges. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Drug abuse only serves to exacerbate these problems, leading to a downward spiral of addiction, health issues, and social problems. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and devastating, affecting not only the individual but also their families and communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), substance abuse can affect brain development and growth in youth, leading to risky behaviors, mental health issues, and a host of other problems. The physical effects of drug use on youth include paranoia and hallucinations, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations, heart attack or failure, stroke, seizures, and sleep disorders. In addition to these physical effects, drug abuse can also have severe mental and emotional consequences, including poor judgment, declines in academic performance, dependence on drugs, and mental health disorders.

There is a strong link between substance abuse and delinquency. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, youth who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes, including violent and income-generating crimes. This is evident in the recent disorderliness in Nigeria, which could be attributed to drug abuse. A great percentage of perpetrators who have been brought to book are victims of drug abuse. Their masters brainwash them and furnish them with illicit drugs before sending them on evil errands.

To address the scourge of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, it is essential that we work together to create a safer and healthier society. This requires a collective effort from parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies. We must also support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking. By working together, we can help to prevent the spread of illicit substances and provide support to those affected by drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. It is essential that we recognize the dangers of drug abuse and take action to prevent it.

Faith Mamman, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Igbojekwe Uzoamaka

The indiscriminate sale of sedatives to drug abusers by some medicine vendors in Nigeria is a growing concern. This illicit trade is contributing to the country’s alarming rate of drug abuse, which has far-reaching consequences, including kidnapping, banditry, and other negative activities.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) management must collaborate with health practitioners to organize campaign awareness programs to educate those who have unintentionally fallen into drug abuse. This is crucial in addressing the root causes of the problem and providing support to those affected.

Moreover, there is a need to monitor the operation of pharmacies and patent medicine stores across all states and local government areas of the federation. This will help to prevent the diversion of controlled substances and ensure that medications are dispensed responsibly.

The menace of drug abuse in Nigeria has taken a multi-dimensional approach, and it requires a collective effort to address its evil effects. All Nigerians must join hands to fight against drug abuse and promote a healthier and safer society.

In addition to the drug abuse problem, Nigeria is also grappling with the issue of water scarcity. Despite huge investments in the water sector by the government and international organizations, many residents in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, are struggling to access clean, potable, and affordable water.

To address these challenges, the government and relevant stakeholders must work together to develop effective strategies for addressing drug abuse and water scarcity. This can be achieved through increased funding for public health programs, improved regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, and investments in water infrastructure and sanitation facilities.

Ultimately, it is crucial for Nigerians to recognize the interconnectedness of these issues and work collectively to address them. By doing so, we can build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all.

Igbojekwe Uzoamaka, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

Recently, an Imam at Kurmin Dorawa in Karofin Madaki, Bauchi state, led a joint Maghrib and Isha’i prayer due to credible fears of a possible attack by suspected thugs in the area. This decision, though unusual, was taken as a precautionary measure in response to rising insecurity—either as retaliation for earlier clashes involving local youths or as part of the resurging menace of ‘Yan Sara Suka’.

Ordinarily, the combining of prayers occurs during the rainy season, while travelling, during festivities, or for other lawful reasons as permitted in Islam. That such a step was taken purely for security reasons speaks volumes about the level of fear and uncertainty now confronting residents.

These mobs, largely composed of young people between the ages of 15 and 25, move around armed with dangerous weapons. Contrary to popular belief, they are not street children, nor are they sponsored by politicians, cult groups, or gang leaders. Rather, they are products of deeper structural failures: poor parental care, societal decay, government neglect, weak application of criminal justice, and, most critically, the widespread abuse of drugs and other narcotic substances openly sold in our neighbourhoods.

In recent years, decisive actions by security agencies, vigilante groups, and community committees have significantly reduced Sara Suka’s activities, creating a relatively safer environment. Unfortunately, the problem has resurfaced with renewed intensity, spreading across almost all parts of the state, including both old and newly established settlements. As a result, some neighbourhoods have become partially or completely inaccessible due to the violent activities of these groups.

This piece does not seek to introduce a new narrative. Rather, it aims to draw attention to existing academic research that examines the role of drug abuse in expanding the frontiers of thuggery. These studies consistently highlight how narcotics fuel aggression, lower inhibition, and sustain cycles of violence among vulnerable youths. More importantly, the literature proposes evidence-based policy frameworks and intervention strategies for addressing the menace through inclusive, humane, and logical approaches.

Only by grounding our responses in research, strengthening social institutions, enforcing the law fairly, and confronting the drug economy within our communities can we hope to stem the resurgence of ‘Yan Sara Suka’ and restore lasting peace.

Academic literature proposes several multidimensional strategies to address the drug abuse crisis in Nigeria, focusing on prevention, management, and systemic reform. These papers advocate the integration of compulsory drug education into secondary and tertiary institution curricula to enlighten students on the physiological and social dangers of substance misuse.

The literature also suggests establishing associations and clubs to promote healthy lifestyles at the community and family levels. Additionally, several studies highlight the critical role of effective family communication and proactive parental monitoring in reducing children’s exposure to drugs, as well as leveraging traditional and religious institutions for grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation.

While these measures are critical in addressing the menace of drug abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the regulatory body charged with combating this serious social problem, must be more proactive. For decades, the agency has engaged in efforts to curb drug abuse, including supply and distribution control; however, the situation continues to deteriorate. This reality calls for serious policy adjustments to enable a multisectoral approach involving relevant ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), such as the NDLEA, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC, security organisations, and host communities, alongside the honest and consistent application of criminal justice.

Governors, on the other hand, should, as a matter of public interest, establish platforms that complement the efforts of the NDLEA through innovative initiatives aimed at eradicating drug abuse in our communities. This can only be achieved through strong political will and sincerity of purpose.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is of No 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man in possession of nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado) valued at more than N10 million.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

He explained that the suspect, a resident of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested on August 6 along the Zaria–Kano Road by operatives of the Kiru Area Command while transporting 19 parcels of the substance from Lagos to Kano.

According to Muhammad-Maigatari, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the illicit trade and had been on the command’s watchlist before his arrest.

He noted that the seizure inflicted a major financial loss on the drug network, disrupting their supply chain and denying them revenue for further criminal activities.

“Removing this quantity from circulation also helps protect vulnerable communities from the social and economic harms associated with the trade in narcotics,” he said.

The spokesperson added that under the leadership of Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Kano Strategic Command will continue to strengthen patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb drug trafficking in the state.