Policing Illicit Drugs in Nigeria: The Role of NGOs and Community on the Frontline
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the role played by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and communities in combating illicit drug activities highlighting their contributions to the broader drug control strategy in Nigeria. Despite extensive government efforts, the prevalence of illicit drug use and trafficking remains a significant challenge. This study explores the impact of NGOs and community-based initiatives on drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Through qualitative analysis, the research reveals the successes, challenges, and potential of these non-governmental efforts. The findings suggest that a more integrated approach, involving collaboration between NGOs, communities, and government agencies, could enhance the effectiveness of drug control in Nigeria. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening these partnerships to create a more sustainable and comprehensive response to the drug problem.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.displayStats.downloads##
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
This open-access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY-NC-SA) license.
You are free to:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms: Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
No additional restrictions: You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
How to Cite
Share
References
Adamu, S. A. (2021). Community involvement in drug policing in Nigeria: An assessment. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 39(2), 215-233. 10.1080/02589001.2021.1876571
Adelekan, M. L., & Lawal, R. A. (2020). Illicit drug use in Nigeria: Implications for public health and law enforcement. African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, 19(1), 30-42.
Adelekan, M. L., & Ndom, R. J. E. (1997). Trends in prevalence and patterns of substance use among secondary school students in Ilorin, Nigeria. West African Journal of Medicine, 16(3), 157-164.
Amadi, E., & Chinedu, N. (2018). Cultural practices and drug abuse in Nigeria: The role of traditional institutions. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 30(1), 57-70.
Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27-40. 10.3316/QRJ0902027
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Ekundayo, J. (2020). Community-based approaches to drug abuse prevention in Nigeria. African Journal of Social Work, 10(2), 89 https://fepbl.com/index.php/ijarss/article/view/1543/1785
Hashim, A., Sidi, S., Abubakar, B. Z., Umar, B., Aliero, H. M., & Yelwa, F. J. (2020). Role of Local Non-Governmental Organizations in Community Development. International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 5, 42-50. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijeab.51.6
Kaiser, K. (2009). Protecting respondent confidentiality in qualitative research. Qualitative Health Research, 19(11), 1632-1641. 10.1177/1049732309350879
Klantschnig, G. (2009). The politics of law enforcement in Nigeria: Lessons from the war on drugs. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 47(4), 529–549. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022278X09990036
Klein, A. (1999). Nigeria & the Drugs War. Review of African Political Economy, 26(79), 51–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/03056249908704360
Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.10.4135/9781452218403
Liamputtong, P. (2007). Researching the vulnerable: A guide to sensitive research methods. SAGE Publications. 10.4135/9781849209861
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass. 9781119003618
NDLEA. (2019). Annual Report 2019. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. https://ndlea.gov.ng/annual-report-2019
NDLEA. (2021). Annual report on drug seizures and arrests in Nigeria. NDLEA Publication. https://ndlea.gov.ng/annual-report-2021
Nelson, E. (2006). Gender and politics in Nigeria. https://consensus.app/papers/gender-and-politics-in-nigeria-nelson/b66d50bb62775a0f90c9d84fefdc19c8
Nelson, E. E., Dumbili, E. W., & Odeigah, O. (2020). Drug use treatment during COVID-19: Community-based services in Nigeria. Journal of Substance Use, 26(4), 391–396. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2020.1838640
Nelson, E. E., Obot, I., & Umoh, O. (2017). Prioritizing public health responses in Nigerian drug control policy. African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, 16(1), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V16I1
Nwannennaya, C., & Abiodun, T. (2017). Illicit Drug Trafficking in Nigeria: Obstacle to National Development. Journal of Political Sciences & Public Affairs, 5(1), 1–6.
Nwokocha, K., & Ogunleye, A. (2019). Non-state actors in Nigeria's drug control efforts. African Security Review, 28(4), 392-406. 10.1080/10246029.2019.1655791
Obot, I. (2004). Responding to Substance Use Problems in Nigeria: The Role of Civil Society Organizations. Substance Use & Misuse, 39(10-12), 1287–1299. https://doi.org/10.1081/JA-120038687
Ogunleye, A. A., & Olasupo, M. A. (2021). Institutional and Legal Mechanisms for Combating Drug Trafficking In Nigeria. https://consensus.app/papers/institutional-and-legal-mechanisms-for-combating-drug-olasupo-olusegun/378aa22750915b19a9ad01d8a71bf429
Ojomo, O. A., et al. (2020). Challenges facing drug rehabilitation programs in Nigeria. West African Journal of Medicine, 37(4), 239–246.
Okunade, B. A., Adediran, F. E., Coker, J. O., Bakare, S. S., Ijiga, A. C., Odulaja, B. A., & Adewusi, O. E. (2023). Ethical considerations in community engagement in Nigerian NGOs. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.3.2429
Oluwabamide, A., & Umoh, S. M. (2011). The social reintegration of ex-drug addicts in Nigeria: An overview. African Journal of Social Sciences, 1(2), 91–100.
Omadjohwoefe, O. S. (2010). Drug abuse and the Nigerian youth: Implications for national development. Journal of Social Policy, 5(1), 88–99.
Omofonmwan, S. I., & Odia, L. O. (2009). The Role of NGOs in Community Development: Focus on Edo State, Nigeria. The Anthropologist, 11, 247–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/09720073.2009.11891111
Onyeka, B. C. (2020). The criminalization of drug users in Nigeria: Legal and social implications. International Journal of Drug Policy, 75, 102586. 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102586
Orb, A., Eisenhauer, L., & Wynaden, D. (2001). Ethics in qualitative research. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33(1), 93–96. 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2001.00093.x
Otu, S. (2013). The 'War on Drugs' in Nigeria: How effective and beneficial is it in dealing with the problem? African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.119-135
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. ISBN: 978-1-4129-7212-3
Saad, A., Iganus, R. B., & Marama, T. (2002). Gender and drug abuse among youths in Borno State in Nigeria: Implications for public policy. Acta Criminologica, 15(1), 99–109. https://consensus.app/papers/gender-and-drug-abuse-among-youths-in-borno-state-in-nigeria-saad-iganus/5dc432da72ec5066a0dbe6297ee2cc07
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. ISBN: 978-0-8039-5939-1
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2022). World Drug Report 2022. United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/res/wdr2022/MS/WDR22_Booklet_2.pdf