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

Army troops neutralize two armed robbers, arrest two in Kaduna estate raid

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army Troops of 1 Division and Operation FANSAN YANMA have eliminated l two armed robbers and the arrested of two others following a robbery incident at Gashash Estate in Barnawa, Kaduna South.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 3:10 a.m. on Wednesday, when a gang of about eight armed hoodlums invaded the estate and robbed occupants at gunpoint, carting away valuables.

Acting on a distress call, the troops with support from police were swiftly deployed to the area. The combined team pursued the fleeing suspects and intercepted them at Makera Main Road, Kakuri.

On sighting them the suspects attempted to flee, prompting a brief encounter during which two of the robbers were neutralized, and two others arrested.

Recovered items include: Seven mobile phone, three wristwatches, two laptops, two PlayStation consoles, Assorted jewelry, One locally made pistol and other dangerous weapons.

Security agencies have launched an operation to track down the remaining members of the gang and ascertain the full extent of their criminal activities.

Army troops neutralize two armed robbers, arrest two in Kaduna estate raid

NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified hate speech as a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu gave the description on Wednesday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence”, invites us to examine the growing intersection between technology and human rights. It challenges us to reflect on the double-edged nature of AI as both a tool for development and a potential amplifier of harmful narratives, including hate speech.

He said: “As the lead institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asserts the intricate relationship between hate speech and human rights. In its base form, hate speech seems to be an illustration of the freedom of expression. However, in its impact, hate speech is a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.”

He added that: “The National Human Rights Commission remains deeply concerned about the rising spread of hate speech, particularly as it takes new and more dangerous forms through digital technologies powered by artificial intelligence. Hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity, it is a direct attack on democratic value and social cohesion. It violates the right to dignity of the human person, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to participate in public life without fear of suppression or violence.”

He noted that some of the significant steps taken over the years by the NHRC to confront hate speech and its multi-polar challenges include: “In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the Commission launched the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) Project, which focused on promoting access, participation, and accountability. Recognising the toxic role of hate speech in electoral processes, the MOVE Project identified it as a major obstacle to voter inclusion.

“The Commission established the National Hate Speech Register to record incidents and trends across the country, allowing for real-time documentation and response.

“We have conducted specialized training for our staff nationwide to monitor and report hate speech across both traditional and digital media.

“In recognising the centrality of the media in combating hate speech, the Commission issued anAdvisory on the Role of Media in Countering and Reporting Hate Speech, recognising the powerful influence of the media and the need to strengthen responsible journalism.

“In April 2025, the NHRC issued a major Advisory Opinion on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, in response to concerns about the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, particularly Section 24 which was criticized for restricting freedom of expression.”

He decried that: “the challenge before us today extends beyond traditional platforms. Artificial Intelligence especially in its generative form is reshaping the way information is produced, consumed, and disseminated. The same technologies that empower innovation can also be exploited to generate, amplify, and target hate speech with unprecedented speed and reach. This scenario portends dangers for the enjoyment of the right to privacy as guaranteed by section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Through algorithmic targeting, manipulated images, deepfakes, and automated bots, hateful and discriminatory narratives can now be crafted and circulated far more efficiently, often bypassing existing regulatory frameworks. If not addressed, these technologies can incite violence, and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.”

He however promised that: “As we move forward, the NHRC is expanding its work in this area by exploring AI-based tools that support early detection of hate speech and misinformation, partnering with tech platforms and regulatory bodies to encourage transparency in algorithmic content moderation and to demand accountability where violations occur.Additionally, developing a national framework for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies in line with human rights principles, particularly as it concerns youth engagement, elections, and social media governance.”
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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights