Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has declared that drug abuse is responsible for approximately 80 per cent of the security challenges plaguing the state, describing the menace as one of the greatest threats to the future of young people and societal development. The governor made the statement on Thursday, June 25, 2026, during a public lecture commemorating the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Auditorium of Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies in Sokoto. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, Aliyu asserted that hard drugs are the primary driver of violent crimes and banditry across the state.
“The security challenges bedevilling our state are 80 per cent contributed by hard drugs. These people are taking serious hard drugs. No human being in his normal sense would look at another human being and take his life,” the governor said. He expressed concern over the growing threat of illicit drug trafficking, stating that it fuels organised crime and undermines national and international security. Many bandits and violent criminals, he argued, commit atrocities because they are under the influence of narcotics. “These people can enter a village, shoot innocent people and even burn down entire communities without remorse. Such actions are against our religion and humanity. Drug abuse is more dangerous than many people think,” Aliyu added.
Aliyu said the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone, stressing the need for collective action involving parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the media. He disclosed that the state government had established the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Substance Abuse Control and Prevention to coordinate awareness campaigns, collaborate with stakeholders, and carry out sensitisation programmes across communities and local government areas.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse, rehabilitating affected persons, and dismantling criminal networks engaged in illicit drug trafficking. He commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained efforts and called on all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the future of young people and building a healthier and safer society.
Earlier, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Mustapha Gidado, described drug abuse as a major threat not only to security but also to the health and well-being of society. In his presentation, the Coordinator of the Centre for Sensitization Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Alhaji Abdulrazak Shehu, said drug abuse has devastating consequences and contributes significantly to violent crimes in society.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the escalating drug crisis in Nigeria. In March 2026, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation reported that about 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug use, with youths accounting for a significant proportion of those affected. The foundation described the trend as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated intervention from government and other stakeholders.
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