Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has attributed about 80 per cent of the insecurity in the state to drug abuse, describing hard drugs as a major driver of violent crime and banditry.
The governor made the assertion on Thursday during a public lecture marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies in Sokoto.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, Aliyu said many of those involved in violent crimes commit their acts under the influence of narcotics.
“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.
The governor warned that drug abuse destroys families, robs young people of their future, fuels criminal activities, and poses serious health and social challenges.
“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.
Aliyu also expressed concern over the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking, saying it strengthens organised crime and threatens both national and international security.
According to him, many bandits and other violent criminals are able to attack communities, kill innocent people, and burn homes because they are under the influence of hard drugs.
“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 said.
The governor stressed that tackling drug abuse requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, the media, and security agencies.
He disclosed that the Sokoto State Government has established the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Substance Abuse Control and Prevention to strengthen efforts at addressing the problem.
Aliyu also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its continued efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, urging all stakeholders to work together to protect young people and build a safer and healthier society.