Guard Time Information, a human rights advocacy organisation, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, parents and educators to take urgent action against the growing menace of hard drug abuse, cultism and other social vices across Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja, the Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Bibi Oduku, said intelligence gathering and community-based investigations had revealed an alarming rise in the abuse of dangerous substances, including Colorado, Tramadol and Codeine. He warned that the trend was destroying the health, future and productivity of many young Nigerians while fuelling criminal activities and violent behaviour.
According to him, drug abuse has become a major driver of armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual violence, gang-related crimes and cult killings in both urban and rural communities. Oduku expressed concern that criminal groups were increasingly recruiting vulnerable youths into violent networks, thereby threatening national peace, security and development.
He noted that cultism, once largely restricted to tertiary institutions, had spread to secondary schools, communities and villages, creating a cycle of violence, intimidation and lawlessness. “We must act now before the situation degenerates into uncontrollable violence. Every stakeholder must rise to the challenge of protecting our children and safeguarding the future of our nation,” he said.
Oduku disclosed that the organisation’s “Say No To Hard Drugs and Crimes Awareness Team” was prepared to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Police, Customs, Immigration, educational institutions and community leaders to strengthen public awareness campaigns and preventive interventions across the country.
Also speaking, the Head of Counselling and Guidance, Miss Emmanuel Rebecca, stressed that the fight against drug abuse and criminality must begin in homes and schools. She urged parents to monitor their children’s activities, maintain open communication and pay attention to behavioural changes, while encouraging teachers to identify and report early signs of drug use, cult recruitment and other anti-social behaviours.
The organisation further revealed plans to establish Institutional Complaint Centres in schools to provide channels for reporting cases of drug abuse, cultism, violence and harassment. It also announced proposals for seminars, debates, mentorship programmes, sports competitions and leadership training aimed at educating students on the dangers of substance abuse, cybercrime and examination malpractice.
Guard Time Information called for stronger border surveillance, enhanced community policing, increased rehabilitation centres, mandatory anti-drug education in schools and stricter enforcement of laws against drug traffickers, cult sponsors and criminal networks. The group reiterated its commitment to working with government agencies, educational institutions and community stakeholders to build a safer and more secure Nigeria.
