In an effort to combat drug abuse and trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have issued a strong plea to students, urging them to steer clear of these activities due to their exploitative nature.
Both agencies have emphasized the connection between drug abuse and human trafficking, emphasizing that these actions are considered crimes punishable by arrest and imprisonment.
During a symposium held in Lagos and organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Mrs. Comfort Agboko, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, disclosed that investigations have revealed instances where human trafficking has been used as a means to transport drugs.
Under the theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,” the event aimed to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Agboko highlighted that victims of human trafficking are being coerced by traffickers into engaging in drug trafficking.
She further explained that illicit drugs are also used to facilitate sexual exploitation, providing girls with the stamina to endure multiple sexual encounters per day, ranging from 10 to 30, without experiencing pain. Meanwhile, the recruiters profit from these activities.
Agboko emphasized that NAPTIP places great importance on raising awareness and educating the public about drug abuse, trafficking, and human trafficking. Consequently, she urged the students to reject drug abuse, warning them of its detrimental effects on their health.
According to her, “We are because we don’t joke with enlightenment, education of drugs abuse trafficking and human trafficking. Why we are here this morning is to let you know the relationship between drug abuse, drugs trafficking and human trafficking. We discovered that human trafficking are also used to traffic drugs. Human trafficking is system of trafficking person from one place to the other, with the use of deceit, cohesion, for the purpose of exploitation and this exploitation could be child labour, sexual exploitation.
“What we are telling you is that victims of human trafficking are being used by traffickers to traffic drugs, they also being used for sex exploitation and it gives them the strength to be able to have sexual intercourse with about 10 to 30 men in a day without feeling the pain. Victims of human trafficking that are forced to take may eventually loose their lives. Therefore, children stay away from drugs abuse and substance use, it kills and lost your dreams to come to reality”.
Agboko observed that students often turn to drug use as a result of peer pressure, a desire to feel superior or fit in, attempts to cope with depression following failure, anxiety, and the pursuit of success.
Regarding the consequences, the senior official of NAPTIP emphasized that individuals addicted to drugs would suffer from deprivation of proper nourishment, good health, and a fulfilling life. Additionally, they would be denied success, ultimately leading to a wretched existence and potential death.
To combat this issue, Agboko advised students to distance themselves from negative influences, report any advances or offers related to drugs to their parents, and mentally prepare themselves to resist peer pressure.
Addressing the problem of drug abuse, the representative of the NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Superintendent Fatimah Dauda, highlighted that it hinders personal progress, destroys futures, and results in the deterioration of one’s health. She also emphasized that drug abuse contributes to the spread of AIDS and causes alienation from family members, as the victim becomes involved in various forms of criminal activities.
“If you are into drugs use, your family members will run away from you because you be involved in all sorts of social vices. Drug will be controlling you, you will not be able to do things on your own and you will be controlled by the influence of drugs”, Dauda emphasised.
Speaking further Dauda pointed out that there are several consequences of drugs, which she identified as physical, social and psychological.
“Those that have physical consequences are the drugs causing parmanent damage to our internal organ. it causes damage to our body systems, a damage that can not be repaired. examples: damage to the brain, kidney, Heart lungs and so on. That’s why we are asked you not to take it. Illicit drug is a drug that can take you for away from your dreams because the person that suffering from lever or kidney problems can not be able to go to school again. it causes high blood pressure, vervous breakdown blocked blood supply”.
Dauda alluded to the theme of the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as “::Stop Stigma, Discrimination, and Provide Hope to Individuals Struggling with Addiction.”
As per her statements, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime emphasized the need for rehabilitating drug addicts and recognizing their right to life. Instead of condemning them, it is crucial to eliminate stigma and discrimination, acknowledging that they too have the right to a fulfilling life.