Stories from UNODC Nigeria

Stories of Hope: Responding to the Drug Use Epidemic in Nigeria: Series 7

" I used to regard drug users as useless. The way some of them dress, I saw them as armed robbers. After training [Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care Sensitization Training] my perception changed. I [now] provide help to them" said Mrs. Odoh Fidelia, Officer in Charge of the Health Center located in Obollo Afor in Enugu State. Working as a nurse for a decade, Mrs. Fidelia closely observed the negative effects of drug use in the community. Her earlier attitude towards drug users was routinely dismissive, and this led to prejudicial treatment when they arrived for health services. Today, a more inclusive health care service operates, with the full support of Mrs. Fidelia.

Obollo-Afor is a major transport hub bustling with commercial activities with many brothels, markets and eateries which are mainly patronized by drivers, artisans and travelers . "Drug use in the community is at an alarming rate since this community is a transit area for travelers. A huge percentage of the young people in the community consume drugs," said Mrs. Fidelia.[Read More]

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UNODC commemorates the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism

Abuja, 20 August 2021 - In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed August 21 st as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in support of the rights and fundamental freedoms of victims and survivors of terrorism, and to reaffirm that the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law in all areas of society is essential to preventing and combating terrorism.

Victims of terrorism and their families need focused and dedicated mechanisms to ensure that their rights as individuals are upheld and protected. As one of the critical United Nations bodies dedicated to countering terrorism, UNODC seeks to uphold the rights and interests of victims and survivors by working with Member States to strengthen the implementation of national legislation and policies that support and protect victims of terrorism. As an extension of this work, UNODC has published several assistance tools to enhance the capacity of governments and other stakeholders to build institutional capacity to support victims of terrorism and to enhance their role in the criminal justice process.[Read More]

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Stories of Hope: Responding to the Drug Use Epidemic in Nigeria: Series 6

Abuja, August 9 2021-Apata is a community in the outskirt of Ibadan town, Oyo State, where cannabis is primarily sold by criminal hideouts. Law enforcement officers in this community consider drug users as criminals. "People who use drugs are criminals and have to be dealt with according to the law. The Law permits us to arrest anybody with illicit drugs and charge them to court" said Olusegun Ibitoye, Assistant Superintendent of Police / Administrative Officer of Apata Police Area Command, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The police in this area command usually arrest drug users and prosecute them regardless of the quantity of cannabis found on them. Many drug users resist arrest thereby leading to violence and insecurity.[Read More]

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