Institutional and Legal Mechanisms for Combating Drug Trafficking in Nigeria: A Critical Assessment

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue V, May 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Institutional and Legal Mechanisms for Combating Drug Trafficking in Nigeria: A Critical Assessment

Mutiullah A. Olasupo¹, Maiye B. Olusegun²
Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja

ABSTRACT

This study has critically assessed the institutional and legal mechanisms for combating drug trafficking in Nigeria with special attention on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). It is worthy to note that drug trafficking remains one of the badly organized crimes that involves individuals of different nationalities with its attendant effects on national and global peace and stability. Drug traffickers no doubt constitute socio-economic cum environmental threats to Nigeria in particular. The quantum of damages has necessitated the need to raise some pertinent questions; what are the major causes of drug trafficking in Nigeria? What are the institutional frameworks that have been put in in place to combat the menace of drug trafficking? How can the institutions be strengthened to tackle drug trafficking? To answer the questions, the paper relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Questionnaires were administered to 386 purposively sampled respondents with 74per cent duly retrieved for analysis. The structural-functionalist theory served as the framework of empirical assessment. In the course of the research findings, it was discovered that the nations of the world have identified drug trafficking as an international crime that requires institutional and legal collaborations to combat; hence the role of the NDLEA in this regards in invaluable. The agency has been in the business of elimination and preventing drug addiction and safeguarding the health of the nation. The laws and institutions to combat drug trafficking are not just of national importance but also, of international necessities. It has been recommended among others the need for an amendment of the NDLEA laws to accommodate the dynamics of the drug trafficking menace, the agency should embark on massive enlightenment campaign to forestall drug trafficking and quackery.

Introduction

Nigeria has been seen as a major player in the global trade in illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin, and also in efforts to control the trade through government institutions cannot be underestimated. In the last ten years there have been media and official reports of escalating arrests of Nigerian drug smugglers, large scale seizures and concerns as the country now ranks high among narco-states in the West African sub-region.
The origin of Nigeria’s drugs trafficking problem can

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