GLOMMING TO GLOOM: THE RAGING PERIL OF DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Drug abuse has long taken center stage among youths, adults, and the aged in Nigeria. However, rising apprehension is built on the mammoth surge of cartel groups, organised syndicates, and modish brokers, who are utterly engrossed in or specialised in drug trafficking, within and outside the country. According to logical assessment, revenue from drug trafficking is not only an incentive for existing subscribers, but also an incentive for new entrants into this business. In addition to the danger this practice poses to the continued existence of the country, a multiplier effect will reverberate through society in the near future. Hence, this article interrogates the characters, trends, techniques, and drives responsible for the surge in drug trafficking practices in the country, using Albert Bandura’s social learning theory as the substratum of rationalisation. The article submits that, if concerted efforts are not made to reduce drug abuse, discourage trafficking trends, and halt the flow, Nigeria may well be on the verge of unprecedented crime, ultra-catch-22, and epic violence that have never been experienced.