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UNODC World Drug Report 2025: Global instability compounding social, economic and security costs of the world drug problem

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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

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One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara

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One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

One person has been killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries following a suspected terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 17, 2026, when troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bingi received a distress call regarding an attack at Dan Jugku village.

According to the sources, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 1 mobilised immediately to the scene where they discovered that three civilians had been shot during the assault.

One of the victims was confirmed dead on the spot, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The injured victims were evacuated to the Bingi clinic for medical attention.

Security authorities said efforts were ongoing to stabilise the area and track down the attackers, while patrols had been intensified in surrounding communities.

One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara

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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in carton walls and destined for the United Kingdom and Australia, as the agency intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

The seizures were made by NDLEA operatives at a courier company in Lagos on Friday during the examination of export shipments. According to the agency, 170 grammes of cocaine carefully sealed in cellophane parcels were discovered hidden within the walls of a carton containing clothes bound for Australia.

In another shipment heading to the United Kingdom, the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said officers uncovered a cache of opioids, including 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 1,100 capsules of tramadol, and 100 ampoules of promethazine injection concealed in a carton.

The anti-narcotics agency also recorded major breakthroughs in Delta State, where operatives raided forests and cannabis farms in separate operations supported by military personnel.

At Ejeonu village in Ukwuani Local Government Area, NDLEA officers destroyed 27,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on 11 hectares of farmland and recovered an additional 22.9 kilogrammes of the substance. A suspect, 52-year-old Ifeanyichukwu Peter, was later arrested during a follow-up operation in Obiaruku.

Similarly, operatives raided Orogun village in Ughelli North Local Government Area, destroying another 37,500 kilogrammes of skunk grown on 15 hectares of farmland while recovering 55.4 kilogramsmes of the illicit drug. Thirty-year-old Godwin Vincent Osadera was arrested in connection with the operation.

The agency said the two operations resulted in the destruction of a total of 65,000 kilogrammes of skunk.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested 42-year-old Husaini Suleiman after recovering 361 kilogrammes of skunk during a raid at Dan Magaji area of Zaria town.

In a separate operation along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, officers intercepted 1,989 rounds of RLA 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside sacks of fresh cassava granules, popularly known as garri. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Abdullahi Hassan, was apprehended while transporting the ammunition. NDLEA said both the suspect and the recovered ammunition had been transferred to another security agency for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a 29-year-old businessman, Ogadi Peter, alleged to specialize in producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties and social gatherings.

The suspect was arrested at his residence in the Life Camp area of Abuja following intelligence reports. Officers recovered 800 grammes of skunk and 2.7 kilogrammes of drug-infused cookies from the premises.

Elsewhere, NDLEA operatives in Ogun State recovered 181 kilogrammes of skunk from a suspect, Aliyu Sani, during a raid in the Ogere area.

In Taraba State, 27-year-old Sufiyanu Mohammed Misa was arrested along the Zaki-Biam road in Wukari Local Government Area with 105,850 pills of opioids, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5.

Two suspects, Adeleke Aliyah, 20, and Aloba Abdulazeez, 25, were also arrested in Saki town, Oyo State, in connection with the seizure of 99 litres of skuchies, a cocktail of illicit substances.

In Edo State, NDLEA officers destroyed 1,388.4175 kilogrammes of skunk on two farms during a raid on Ago forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

In Kano State, operatives recovered 1.2 kilogrammes of tramaking 225mg pills concealed in a 25-litre jerry can of palm oil at Kofar Ruwa motor park. Another suspect, Aminu Isa, was arrested with 30.5 kilogrammes of skunk at Sabuwar Sharada area of the state.

Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign continued across the country with awareness lectures delivered in schools in Oyo, Niger, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti, and Kano states.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers of the agency’s commands in Delta, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Kano, the FCT, and Edo states for the successful operations.

He assured that the agency remained committed to sustaining a balance between reducing drug supply and intensifying drug demand reduction campaigns nationwide.

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

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PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

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PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

By: Michael Mike

The Presdent of the General Assembly of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) 2026, H.E. Timilehin Adewuyi, has called on governments, international organisations and private institutions to intensify efforts toward bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology-driven education across the world.p

Speaking during the second session of the PAIMUN General Assembly held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Adewuyi described digital transformation in education as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and preparing future generations for global leadership.

Addressing delegates, diplomats and education stakeholders, the PAIMUN President said the world has entered an era where education can no longer remain dependent on traditional methods, stressing that technology has become central to building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.

“It is my profound privilege, as President of the General Assembly, to address this august gathering on the topic: ‘Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,’” he stated.

According to him, digital innovation has fundamentally changed the way knowledge is accessed, shared and applied globally, opening new opportunities for students to learn beyond geographical and economic limitations.

He noted that digital classrooms, virtual libraries, artificial intelligence and online learning platforms are equipping young people with critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and digital literacy.

Adewuyi stressed that these skills are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning young people to compete effectively in the global economy.

Despite the growing opportunities presented by technology, the PAIMUN President warned that millions of students, particularly in developing countries, still face severe barriers due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity and inadequate access to digital devices.

He said sustainable development would remain unattainable if educational opportunities continue to be unequal across regions and social groups.

“Governments, international organizations, and private institutions must work collectively to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no learner is left behind in this technological revolution,” he said.

Adewuyi further described digital education as more than an innovation, calling it a strategic investment in humanity’s future.

He urged delegates at the conference to remain committed to policies that promote responsible and inclusive technology adoption in education systems worldwide.

“By embracing technology responsibly and inclusively, we empower the next generation to drive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The PAIMUN conference, hosted by Premiere Academy, brought together student delegates simulating the United Nations General Assembly to debate global issues and propose solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and policy engagement.

The event focused extensively on how digital transformation can strengthen education systems, reduce inequalities and accelerate sustainable development across nations.

PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

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