Guard Time Information, Human Rights Activists Nationwide, today in Abuja, FCT, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, security chiefs, relevant government boards, traditional institutions, religious leaders, parents, teachers, and the general public to recognize and confront the growing threat posed by hard drugs, cultism, and other social vices across Nigeria.
According to the Chairman of Guard Time Information, Mr. Bibi Oduku, intelligence gathering and community-based investigations have revealed an alarming increase in the abuse of dangerous substances such as Colorado (Colos), Tramadol, Codeine, and other illicit drugs. These substances are destroying the health, future, and productivity of thousands of young Nigerians including girls while contributing significantly to rising criminal activities and violent behaviour.
Mr. Oduku noted that drug abuse has become a major catalyst for armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual violence, gang activities, cult-related killings, and other forms of insecurity affecting both rural and urban communities. He expressed concern that criminal networks are increasingly targeting vulnerable youths and recruiting them into violent groups, thereby threatening the peace, stability, and development of the nation.
He emphasized that cultism, which was once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has now spread into secondary schools, communities, villages, and cities, creating a dangerous cycle of violence, intimidations, and lawlessness. Unless urgent preventive measures are taken, Nigeria risks facing deeper social unrest and widespread insecurity.
“We must act now before the situation degenerates into uncontrollable violence. Every stakeholder must rise to the challenge of protecting our children and safeguarding the future of our nation,” he said.
Mr. Oduku further disclosed that the Say No To Hard Drugs and Crimes Awareness Team of Guard Time Information is prepared to collaborate closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Police, Custom, Immigration, educational institutions, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and other security agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns and preventive interventions.
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Speaking on the role of families and schools, Miss Emmanuel Rebecca, Head of Counselling and Guidance, stressed that the fight against drug abuse and criminality must begin at home and within educational institutions.
She urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, monitor their activities and associations, pay attention to behavioural changes, and provide moral guidance. Teachers and school administrators, she said, should actively identify and report early signs of drug use, cult recruitment, bullying, violence, and other anti-social behaviours.
“Children should be encouraged to share their daily experiences. Parents and teachers must work together to detect warning signs early and intervene before young people become victims or perpetrators of crime,” she stated.
Mr. Oduku also revealed that he is working closely with Professor Jerry Ugokwe Ikemba, Chairman of the Nigeria Presidential Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, to strengthen preventive measures across educational institutions nationwide.
As part of this initiative, Institutional Complaint Centres will soon be established to provide parents, teachers, students, and members of the public with accessible channels for reporting cases of drug abuse, cultism, violence, harassment, and other social vices for lawful investigation and appropriate action.
The Committee also plans to organize seminars, debates, workshops, mentorship programmes, leadership training, sports competitions, and educational campaigns designed to enlighten students on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, examination malpractice, and other harmful behaviours.
Guard Time Information further calls for Stronger border and community surveillance against drug trafficking, Increased rehabilitation and counselling centres for victims of substance abuse, Enhanced intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives, Greater involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and civil society groups.
Mr Umar Kamilu Wada said the need of Mandatory anti-drug and anti-cultism education in schools, Improved employment and empowerment opportunities for youths to reduce vulnerability to criminal recruitment, Strict enforcement of laws against drug dealers, cult sponsors, and criminal networks.
Guard Time Information reiterates its commitment to collaborating with associations, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, community leaders, and patriotic citizens in building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.
The organization Patrons Senator Gbasinghan. G. Ajosi said Guard Time Information believes that the fight against drugs, cultism, and social vices is a collective responsibility. Every Nigerian has a role to play.
“Without you, there is no Nigeria”. “Together, in unity and with determination, we can protect our youths, secure our communities, and build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Say No to Hard Drugs. Say No to Cultism. Say Yes to Peace, Education, and National Development says Guard Time Information.
