Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has attributed approximately 80 percent of the insecurity plaguing the state to drug abuse. The governor made this assertion on Thursday, June 25, during a public lecture marking 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, Sokoto.
Governor Links Hard Drugs to Violent Crimes
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, Governor Aliyu stated that hard drugs are largely responsible for 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,” he said.
According to him, drug abuse destroys families, deprives young people of their potential, contributes to criminal activities, and poses serious health and social risks. “We want you to become presidents, ministers, governors and chairmen of important companies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But you cannot achieve that if you engage in drug abuse and drug trafficking,” he added.
Growing Threat of Illicit Trafficking
The governor expressed concern over the growing threat of illicit drug trafficking, noting that it fuels organised crime and undermines national and international security. He said many bandits and violent criminals 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,” he remarked.
Call for Collective Action
Aliyu emphasised that 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 has established the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Substance Abuse Control and Prevention to coordinate efforts.
The governor commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking, and called on all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the future of young people and building a healthier and safer society.
