Frank Mba, a retired deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), has warned that rising drug abuse among youths is fueling insecurity and called on parents to take greater responsibility through closer monitoring and deliberate guidance. 

In an interview on Monday, Mr Mba said families remained the most critical line of defence against substance abuse.

He said the increasing connection between drug use, cultism, cybercrime and violent offences now constitutes a major internal security concern requiring urgent attention.

Mr Mba noted that many young people were first introduced to drugs before being drawn into organised criminal activities across urban and semi-urban communities.

“The convergence of drug abuse and organised crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated and deeply entrenched,” he said.

According to him, cult groups, cybercrime rings and fraud syndicates now depend heavily on drug-dependent youths to execute risky and coordinated operations.

“Research shows cybercrime networks and cult groups intersect with drug trafficking and violence, reinforcing insecurity nationwide,” he added.

Mr Mba described idle, unsupervised youths as prime targets for recruitment by criminal networks seeking loyal, easily manipulated operatives.

He urged parents to monitor warning signs such as aggression, secrecy, unexplained income and sudden changes in behaviour or peer associations.

Mr Mba stressed that early intervention at home could prevent many youths from sliding into crime and long-term criminal involvement.

Also, Dolapo Badmus, a retired chief superintendent of police, said many offenders arrested had a history of substance abuse.

“From petty theft, they graduate to internet fraud, then to cult-related violence,” she said.

Ms Badmus explained that substance abuse often lowers inhibition, making young people more willing to engage in risky or criminal behaviour.

She cited cases where youths under tramadol or methamphetamine engaged in street clashes, robbery, and cyber fraud schemes popularly called ‘Yahoo Yahoo’.

According to her, peer pressure remains a major entry point, especially in schools, parties and online platforms where drug use is normalised.

Studies show drug abuse is strongly linked to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and domestic violence across Nigeria.

Similarly, Ona Ekhomu, a security consultant, said drug abuse reduced restraint and exposed youths to manipulation by criminal gangs and cult groups.

“Charity begins at home. Parents must not be absent,” he said.

Mr Ekhomu listed commonly abused substances as cannabis, tramadol, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and rohypnol, noting their affordability and easy street availability.

He warned that in many neighbourhoods, teenagers now openly consume drugs in groups, often without parental awareness or supervision.

“In Lagos and other cities, youths gather in abandoned buildings and street corners to smoke and mix drugs,” he said.

He added that such environments often serve as recruitment grounds for cult groups and street gangs.

Mr Ekhomu advised parents to maintain open conversations about drugs, citing consequences such as arrest, addiction and long-term criminal records.

“Once a child is lost to drugs, the chances of criminal involvement increase significantly,” he said. 

(NAN)