Despite repeated arrests and high-profile drug seizures, Nigerian youths continue to be recruited into international drug networks, especially across Asian borders. Drug proceeds were routed through hawala (informal money-transfer) channels, converted into goods such as garments, human hair, and shipped to Lagos. This is when curiosity is high, peer influence is strong, and risk-taking behaviours are most common.”He noted that for most youths, initiation into drug use, and by extension, exposure to drug networks, typically starts before the age of 35. “No jobs, no social safety nets.”Without viable alternatives, many returnees face a grim choice: re-emigrate through illegal routes or return to drug networks to survive. The NFIU cautions that when criminal prosecutions are not paired with financial investigations, asset tracing and forfeiture, drug networks quickly rebuild.

Source: Punch February 21, 2026 09:59 UTC