Some medical experts and members of Civil Society Organizations have advocated for support, rather than punishing illicit drug users as an effective way to win the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.



According to them, almost a century since world leaders employed the use of force in the control of illicit drugs, the problem has remained with more casualties recorded on a daily basis.

The group is urging governments and the public to drop the stigmatization of illicit drug users and focus on treatment and rehabilitation.

The Nigerian government, through the NDLEA, has clamped down on illicit drug users and traffickers in recent times.

In 2013 alone, over 339,000 kilograms of narcotics were intercepted and over 8, 000 suspects arrested.

While those efforts have yielded some results, civil rights activists say the use of force alone cannot help curb the menace.

The group also believe that when the society stop stigmatization and parents pay more attention to their children, the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking can be reduced.

The Federal Government had on Friday launched a new five year master plan to tackle the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.

It is expected therefore that the implementation of that plan and suggestions from rights activists will go a long way to manage the situation