The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has said that organised crime, illicit cash flow and corruption are key drivers of violent extremism in Nigeria.

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

Country Representative of the UNODC, Cheikh Toure, stated this, yesterday, at a media briefing ahead of the UNODC Nigeria Country Programme 2026-2030 launch in Abuja.

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

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.

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 mooted 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 mooted the plan, said the think-tank is expected to pool players, including researchers, state and non-state actors, journalists, among others.