The Students’ Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) says drug abuse and drug trafficking have been fueling terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other crimes in Northern Nigeria.

The groups cover 19 states in the region, fighting the lingering scourges of drug abuse that threaten the country.

CNG National Coordinator, Alhaji Jamilu Aliyu, spoke at a public lecture on building responsible students’ leadership on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno state.

He stated that many students abuse drugs because homes and schools fail to build strong moral values in the various communities in the North.

According to him, all religions in the country strongly forbid drug use, yet, the problem increases every year.

He also pointed out a recent NDLEA operation in Kano that seized more than five million tablets of tramadol, descring the the the situation as “deeply alarming among the youths and women.

Aliyu explained that moral decadence pushes many youths towards illegal drugs and other illicit substances.

These substances include Indian hemp, skunks, and even reptile waste, warning that drug addiction threatens the future of the entire North.

Moreover, he stressed that drug use among students fuels insecurity and criminal activity, noting that the country cannot afford to ignore the danger any longer.

Alhaji Bulama Mai Gubio, the Chairman of the public lecture, represented by the Gubio Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mali Bulama Gubio, said, “The North cannot develop if youths keep consuming drugs such as cocaine and Indian hemp.

He added that people over 45 struggle to solve the problem on their own. Therefore, younger people must take responsibility and lead change

The event, themed “Building Responsible Students’ Leadership,” focuses on reducing drug abuse, thuggery, extremism, hate speech, and campus violence.

The solution, according to the organisers, lies in mentorship and value reorientation.

Major Abiya Mohammed (rtd.) addressed students from the University of Maiduguri, the College of Health Technology, and other institutions. He urged them to lead with discipline, inspiration, and positive values.

Furthermore, he warned that campuses across the country are facing rising cases of drug abuse, cultism, exam malpractice, and hate speech. He said that students must adopt better values to protect their future. End.