CNG Warns: Rising Drug Abuse Driving Terrorism and Youth Crime in Northern Nigeria

CNG Warns: Rising Drug Abuse Driving Terrorism and Youth Crime in Northern Nigeria

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Students’ Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) says drug abuse and drug trafficking now fuel terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other crimes in Northern Nigeria. The group covers 19 states in the region.

CNG National Coordinator Alhaji Jamilu Aliyu spoke at a public lecture in Maiduguri on Wednesday. He said many students abuse drugs because homes and schools fail to build strong moral values. According to him, all religions in the country strongly forbid drug use. Yet, the problem increases every year.

He pointed out a recent NDLEA operation in Kano that seized more than five million tablets of tramadol. He described the situation as “deeply alarming.”

Moral Decay and Dangerous Substances

Aliyu explained that moral decay pushes many youths toward illegal drugs. These substances include Indian hemp, skunks, and even reptile waste. He warned that drug addiction threatens the future of the entire North.

Moreover, he stressed that drug use among students fuels insecurity and criminal activity. He noted that the country cannot afford to ignore the danger any longer.

Leaders Call for Urgent Action

Alhaji Bulama, the Chairman of the public lecture, was present. Mali Gubio was represented by Gubio Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mali Bulama Gubio. He said the North cannot develop if youths keep consuming drugs such as cocaine and Indian hemp.

He added that people over 45 struggle to solve the problem on their own. Therefore, younger people must take responsibility and lead change.

Mentorship and Value Reorientation

The event carried the theme, “Building Responsible Students’ Leadership.” It focused on reducing drug abuse, thuggery, extremism, hate speech, and campus violence. The solution, according to organisers, lies in mentorship and value reorientation.

Major Abiya Mohammed (rtd.) addressed students from the University of Maiduguri, the College of Health Technology, and other institutions. He urged them to lead with discipline, inspiration, and positive values.

Furthermore, he warned that campuses across the country are facing rising cases of drug abuse, cultism, exam malpractice, and hate speech. He said students must adopt better values to protect their future.