*Mutes creation of West Africa think tank

COUNTRY Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, has said that organized crime, illicit cash flow and corruption are key drivers of violent extremism in Nigeria.

He said the interconnection between drugs, crime and terrorism in Nigeria calls for more strategic, coordinated and adaptive approaches as these crimes are also technology enabled.

He made this known during a meeting with the press ahead of the UNODC  Nigeria Country Programme 2026-2030 launch, yesterday in Abuja.

The Country Representative  expressed concern over the evolving landscape of crime enabled by technology describing it as one presenting both opportunities and challenges.

Toure said “Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated. Technology is reshaping both opportunity and risk and globally, we are seeing shifts on how development is funded

“Nigeria is a country of immense potential and regional influence but one also facing complex and interconnected challenges ranging from drug trafficking and organized crime to corruption, terrorism and emerging threats driven by technology”.

The UNODC Country Programme therefore  seeks to strengthen crime and criminality justice system in Nigeria to uphold the rule of law and expand access to justice as well as prevent and combat corruption and illicit financial flows to protect institutions, the economy and citizens.

It also aims to enhance security, counter terrorism and address conditions that enable violent extremism and to also fight against organized crime thereby safeguarding people, livelihoods and the environment.

The Country Programme of the UNODC which according to Toure is the first of its kind, will also strengthen evidence based response to drug production, trafficking and non-medical use while addressing related public health challenges including addiction and HIV.

Meanwhile the UN body has also muted plans to set up a West Africa knowledge resources centre that can provide information and data on the various areas of operation of the UNODC.

Toure who muted the plan, said the think tank is expected to pool players including researchers, state and non-state actors who are experts in  in crime, drugs, terrorism and journalists among others’