Substance Abuse Linked to Kidnapping and Terrorism in Nigeria

A seminar themed “Substance Abuse and National Insecurity: Building Responsible Youth Through Entrepreneurship” was held by the Department of Mass Communication at Al-Hikmah University in Abeokuta, Kwara State. The event brought together law enforcement, community leaders, and academics to discuss the connection between substance abuse and national security.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ogun State Command, stated that police investigations link major violent crimes to drug influence. He emphasized that neglecting the social and economic development of Nigeria’s youth exposes them to criminal exploitation and addiction.

Babaseyi noted that offenses such as armed robbery, cult clashes, and cybercrime are often committed under the influence of hard drugs. He mentioned that criminal syndicates target addicted youths for compliance.

Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, the Ogun command is enhancing intelligence-led community policing, school outreach, and inter-agency collaboration to combat crime at the grassroots level.