International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) 2024

This ongoing study investigates the growing impact of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Opioids trafficking and abuse on crime trends in Nigeria, particularly its implications for Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) in West Africa.
Global increases in NPS Opioids trafficking, driven by higher costs of traditional drugs and geopolitical shifts, have reshaped the criminal landscape. Nigeria, experiencing a surge in NPS Opioids, serves as a crucial case study within West Africa.

The research aims to explore the intricate links between NPS Opioids trafficking, abuse, and various crimes like Kidnapping, Banditry, Oil bunkering, and Terrorism.
Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative crime data analysis with interviews of key stakeholders and employs network analysis to reveal connections between NPS Opioids-related crime and TOC networks in West Africa.

Preliminary findings, rooted in arrests and seizures, highlight a significant correlation between the increase in NPS Opioids trafficking and abuse and the rise of specific crime types in Nigeria. Identified hotspots and demographics underscore the interconnectedness of NPS Opioids-related crime with TOC networks in the region.

The study's implications extend to the development of targeted interventions, offering valuable insights for law enforcement, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. By addressing the intricate relationship between NPS Opioids, crime, and TOC, the research contributes to the formulation of comprehensive strategies to combat trafficking and abuse, not only in West Africa but with broader implications for regional and international initiatives.