Stakeholders in the Lake Chad Basin have identified drug trafficking as the major cause of conflict and violent extremism bedevilling the region.
The stakeholders including political and community leaders, academia, security, environment and economic experts stated this during the panelists’ session at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, on Friday in Maiduguri.
The theme of the session is, “Curbing illicit drugs trafficking and drug abuse to prevent violent extremism.”
Dr Mairo Amshi, the Yobe Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, noted that Boko Haram insurgents and its affiliates were using proceeds from illicit drug trade to purchase arms and recruit new members.
She pointed out that drug addiction, particularly among vulnerable youths was making individuals more susceptible to extremism.
“Drug abuse weakens the social fabric, making communities more vulnerable to instability and violence,” she said.
According to Amshi, drug networks and violent extremist groups often collaborate in resource-poor regions, exacerbating the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and communities.
The commissioner said that political instability, weak governance and porous borders created a conducive environment for traffickers to operate freely across the borders in Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon.
She identified lack of effective enforcement of existing drug control laws, corruption in law enforcement agencies and inadequate resources as key barriers to combat the menace.
According to her, gaps in regional collaboration also hinders uniform implementation of anti-drug measures, and stressed the need for increased investment in capacity building for law enforcement agents, especially in advanced detection and surveillance techniques.
She also recommended for strengthening of border control procedures and enhancing international cooperation to address the cross-border drug trafficking.
In her remarks, Madame Gael Cécile Bécona, Head, Lake Chad Basin Office at the Ministry of External Relations, Cameroon, expressed concern over the rising illicit drugs trafficking and abuse in the country.
Bécona decried the prevalence of drug trafficking in Cameroon, particularly within regions bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
She said, “the porous borders between these countries, combined with socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and the impacts of climate change, have made the region a hotspot for traffickers.
“Cameroon has become a transit hub for drug traffickers due to weak border controls, and many entry points are not sufficiently monitored.”
She said the socio-economic vulnerability of communities, exacerbated by severe flooding in southern and sahelian regions further exposed populations to the allure of illegal drug trade, particularly among the youth.
“Cameroon’s National Committee on drug control, established in 1992, has been at the forefront of combating drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
“The committee has worked closely with civil society organisations and health institutions to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and assist those affected by addiction.
“In June 2024, the committee launched a National Strategic Plan for the Fight Against Drugs 2024-2030, aimed at addressing prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and international cooperation,” Bécona said.
The official noted that the focus of the plan would be on preventive measures to reduce the demand and supply of drugs.
“There is a need to mobilise civil society organisations, which are crucial in spreading awareness, educating communities, and organising educational campaigns.
“Additionally, the government has introduced measures to control the drug supply, such as special importation licenses and technical import visas for drug related substances.
“Law enforcement efforts are also ongoing, with operations such as “Operation Hero Stimulants” in the north of the country targeting drug trafficking networks.
“Notable progress has been made in regions such as Mokolo in the Far North where drug abuse has significantly decreased, thanks to these interventions,” she said.
Bécona, however, acknowledged that the fight against drug trafficking was facing significant challenges, particularly in terms of funding and resources.
She, therefore, urged international partners and donors to provide financial support for awareness campaign, and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies in detecting new and emerging forms of illicit substances.
Dr Fonte Akum, Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies, who moderated the session, said discussions were aimed at exploring the social, economic, and security implications of drug abuse, particularly in relation to violent extremism and regional instability.
He also expressed concern over the spate of drug trafficking in the region, and identified tramadol and hashish as the most commonly abused substances in the region.
On his part, Sheikh Touré of the UNODC, underscored the importance of international collaboration to address drug trafficking and violent extremism, and called for better law enforcement and coordination across borders.
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