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UNODC World Drug Report 2025: Global instability compounding social, economic and security costs of the world drug problem
UNODC World Drug Report 2025: Global instability compounding social, economic and security costs of the world drug problem
By: Michael Mike
A new era of global instability has intensified challenges in addressing the world drug problem, empowering organized crime groups and pushing drug use to historically high levels, says the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the World Drug Report 2025 launched on Thursday.
“This edition of the World Drug Report shows that organized drug trafficking groups continue to adapt, exploit global crises, and target vulnerable populations,” said the Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Waly,
She said: “We must invest in prevention and address the root causes of the drug trade at every point of the illicit supply chain. And we must strengthen responses, by leveraging technology, strengthening cross-border cooperation, providing alternative livelihoods, and taking judicial action that targets key actors driving these networks. Through a comprehensive, coordinated approach, we can dismantle criminal organizations, bolster global security, and protect our communities.”
According to the report, 316 million people used a drug (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023, or six per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64, compared to 5.2 per cent of the population in 2013. With 244 million users, cannabis remains the most widely used drug, followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million) and “ecstasy” (21 million).
Within Nigeria, cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance, and worryingly, one in three users report needing treatment or counselling—underscoring a significant gap in health services and support.
New groups of vulnerable people fleeing hardship, instability and conflict could cause these numbers to increase further, the report warned. Globally, as indicated by limited sex-disaggregated data, 5.5 per cent of women with drug use disorders were in treatment in 2023, as compared with 13.6 per cent of men with such disorders.
Production, seizures, and use of cocaine all hit new highs in 2023, making cocaine the world’s fastest-growing illicit drug market. Illegal production skyrocketed to 3,708 tons, nearly 34 per cent more than in 2022. Global cocaine seizures reached a record high at 2,275– a 68 per cent rise over 2019-2023. Use of cocaine, meanwhile, has grown from 17 million users in 2013 to 25 million users in 2023.
Cocaine traffickers are breaking into new markets across Asia and Africa, the report notes. The abuse of pharmaceutical opioids, especially tramadol, has also reached alarming levels, with the majority of global tramadol seizures taking place in Africa.
Due to factors like low operational costs and reduced risks of detection, the synthetic drug market continues to expand globally, dominated by Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) like methamphetamine and amphetamine (including “captagon”).
Seizures of ATS reached a record high in 2023 and accounted for almost half of all global seizures of synthetic drugs, followed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.
The report stated that though estimates vary, the illicit drug trade generates hundreds of billions of dollars per year. Criminal groups innovate constantly, through boosting production, finding new ways to chemically conceal their drugs, and using technology to conceal communications and increase distribution.
It also stated that though resilient, organized criminal networks can be disrupted – but a deeper understanding of the aims and structures of drug trafficking groups is required. Mapping criminal groups can highlight their vulnerabilities, key actors, enablers, and pinpoint possible areas for intervention. Law enforcement agencies could also consider investing in technology and skills training that matches the sophistication of tools used in the drug supply chain.
It explained that evidence suggests that integrating drug use disorder treatment and care into existing healthcare systems improves the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of that treatment and care. Such integration requires, among other measures, that a sufficient number of health professionals be trained and equipped with the necessary tools, which is not a simple task, particularly in systems already hampered by a struggle for resources.
With a national drug use prevalence of 14.4%, nearly three times the global average, and with over 3 million people in Nigeria suffering from drug use disorders, the toll of illicit drug use is significant and growing. Particularly alarming is the 9.2% HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs, and the still limited access to evidence-based treatment services.
Representative, UNODC Country office, Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, noted that: “This is not just a health crisis — it is a development, security, and peacebuilding concern.”
He said in Africa, for example, only 3.4 per cent of the estimated number of individuals with drug use disorders receive treatment. To strengthen evidence-based treatment, Governments must prioritize cost-effective interventions based on public health principles.
UNODC World Drug Report 2025: Global instability compounding social, economic and security costs of the world drug problem
Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, undertook a working visit to Diffa Region of Niger Republic on Wednesday.
The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on strengthening the existing collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, particularly around the shores of Lake Chad.
Diffa is a community 17 km from Damasak town in northern Borno where thousands of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram insurgency are currently taking refuge.
Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma, and other senior officials. The leaders held closed-door meetings centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds.
Zulum outlined plan to leverage the improved security situation to facilitate the return of thousands of displaced farmers to the vast and fertile agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.
Part of the Governor’s entourage are Engr Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and otheir senior government officials.
Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
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Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue
Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected bandit was neutralised by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke during a gun battle in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, on Tuesday, but stray bullets mistakenly hit three students, killing one.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.
The source said trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.
“On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot dead, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.
“Unfortunately, three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets. One female student was later confirmed dead by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment,” the source explained.
The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.
Military sources confirmed the incident, stressing that the troops only acted in self-defence after being fired upon by the armed hoodlums.
He described the death of the student as an unfortunate accident, assuring that efforts would be made to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Zagazola reports that news of the incident triggered a violent protest in Jato-Aka town, as angry youths took to the streets and set ablaze the office of the traditional ruler, Mue Ter.
The Police o confirmed the incident, saying personnel and operatives of the Police Mobile Force were deployed to the area to restore calm.
“The situation has been brought under control and normalcy has returned, but monitoring and patrols are ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order,”said the sources.
Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to residents of Jato-Aka to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.
Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue
Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement
By: Our Reporter
The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State, Hon. Yusuf Adamu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP N. ABDULMAJID, to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in addressing public complaints and enhancing community policing.
Hon. Adamu congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and thanked him for the immediate attention given to complaints. He said:
“The synergy between the Commission and the Police is vital. We urge the Command to continue to be proactive in handling cases, especially those related to drugs, which are fueling vices such as TikTok and other cybercrime in schools.”
He also urged the Police Command to work closely with community leaders, parents, schools, and religious institutions to address drug abuse among children and young adults. He further linked the PCC’s forthcoming 50th Anniversary to the importance of psychosocial support and thanked the Police Commissioner for assigning an officer to liaise with the PCC in the enforcement unit.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police commended the PCC for consistently referring prosecutable cases to the Police. He assured:
“The same cooperation I experienced with the Commission in my former command will be replicated in Borno. We shall continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders to ensure that complaints are addressed and cases within the PCC’s powers referred for effective investigation.”
He added that community policing had come to stay and would involve community leaders, market women, imams, and parents. He also called for regulation of social media misuse, while urging the PCC to intensify enlightenment of citizens.
The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of the PCC’s Act and mandate, and a group photograph.
End
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