Police raise the alarm over drugs, political thuggery in Gombe

The Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State on Monday raised alarm over the growing threat of drug abuse and political thuggery, describing both as “deeply interconnected dangers” undermining public safety and social stability ahead of elections.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, gave the warning during a community engagement and sensitisation programme held at the Gombe International Hotel.

He stressed that conventional, reactive policing can no longer address the evolving nature of crime.

“Experience has clearly shown that a reactive approach to policing is no longer sufficient. What is required is a deliberate and sustained shift towards proactive policing that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and strategic collaboration,” he said.

Chuso drew a direct link between substance abuse and violent crime, warning that both issues reinforce each other.

“Drug abuse and thuggery are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Drug addiction often drives individuals into criminal activities, while criminal networks exploit drug dependency for recruitment and control,” he stated.

He also cautioned against the involvement of political actors in fuelling violence.

“In some cases, unpatriotic politically motivated actors manipulate vulnerable youths under the influence of drugs to perpetrate violence. This dangerous cycle creates a persistent state of insecurity,” he added.

The police commissioner called for collective responsibility, noting that security cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone.

“Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. It demands the collective effort of law enforcement agencies, community members, government institutions, and other stakeholders,” he said.

He urged communities to support intelligence gathering and build trust with the police.

“Without trust between the police and the public, cooperation is weakened and crime prevention becomes more difficult. Trust must be built through respect for human rights, transparency, and accountability,” he noted.

Highlighting local concerns, Chuso identified areas such as Jekadafari as hotspots for youth-related violence, while noting that several suspects had been brought to justice.

“Gombe State has had its share of substance abuse and political thuggery, especially within enclaves such as Jekadafari. While many suspects have been brought to justice, the time has come for stronger community partnership,” he said.

He also addressed young people directly: “Your tomorrow does not lie in thuggery and substance abuse. Don’t let drugs take away your dreams. Change the game and don’t let the game change you.”

Other stakeholders at the event echoed the call for collective action.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Reverend Joseph Shinga, pledged support for efforts to curb social vices.

“We are committed to working with the police to curb drug abuse and other social vices. There is a need for sustained moral guidance and community vigilance,” he said.

Similarly, Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Saleh Danburam, emphasised the role of religious institutions.

“We will continue to preach against these vices and support efforts aimed at protecting our youths from destructive influences,” he said.

The Wazirin Yeriman Gombe, Alhaji Yaya Hammari, described the engagement as timely.

“Drug abuse among youths contributes significantly to unemployment and insecurity. Addressing it requires collective action from all segments of society,” he said.

Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee in the state, Comrade Garba Ubale, commended the initiative, noting that it would strengthen community policing.

“This is the third engagement programme under CP Chuso. It is a commendable step towards strengthening community policing and tackling social vices,” he said.

Security expert Dr Adamu Ahmad and youth advocate Abdulaziz Sani Labaran of Youth O’Clock also highlighted broader societal drivers of the problem.

“Politicians and social influences contribute to youth involvement in substance abuse. There is an urgent need for deliberate interventions to reverse the trend,” Ahmad said.