Advocacy Against Drug Abuse Condemns Maiduguri Bombings, Calls for Decisive Action Against Terrorists.
By John Wakawa
Director of Media, AADARAI
March 18, 2026.
The quiet resilience of Maiduguri was once again shaken by tragedy as a series of suicide bombings claimed 23 lives and left more than 100 injured. The attacks, which struck crowded civilian locations, have reignited national grief and concern over the persistent threat of terrorism in northeastern Nigeria.
In a strong and emotional response, the National Coordinator of the Advocacy Against Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Awareness Initiative Nationwide (AADARAI), Hon. Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, describing them as “horrific, barbaric, and a grave setback to the fragile peace that has been built over time.”
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According to reports, the bombings—attributed to Boko Haram and its splinter faction ISWAP—targeted densely populated areas, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the bustling Monday Market. These locations, symbolic of life and community, became scenes of devastation and loss.
Hon. Dawakin Kudu emphasized a critical but often overlooked dimension of terrorism: the role of drug abuse and illicit drug supply chains in fueling violent extremism. “No rational human being commits such heinous acts without being under the influence of dangerous substances,” he stated. “Those who supply hard drugs to terrorists are not just accomplices—they are contributors to crimes against humanity.”
AADARAI called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to move beyond reactive measures and adopt decisive, intelligence-driven strategies. Hon. Dawakin Kudu stressed that “this is not the time for complacency or defensiveness. It is a time for bold, coordinated action.”
He urged security forces to strengthen collaboration with local communities, noting that valuable intelligence often comes from vigilant citizens—“good Samaritans”—who observe unusual activities. He also highlighted a troubling pattern: injured insurgents reportedly seeking treatment within communities or remote areas, sometimes exploiting unsuspecting medical personnel.
AADARAI’s statement drew a direct link between drug abuse and the brutality of terrorist operations. The organization warned that narcotics are frequently used to embolden fighters, suppress fear, and impair judgment, making attacks more violent and indiscriminate.
To combat this, AADARAI proposed a multi-layered defense against drug supply reaching terrorist groups:
Strengthening pharmaceutical regulation: Pharmacists and medical suppliers must rigorously verify prescriptions and report suspicious bulk purchases of controlled substances.
Law enforcement agencies should intensify surveillance along known trafficking routes, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
Community awareness campaigns: Educating citizens about the signs of drug trafficking and radicalization can help disrupt networks early.
Doctors and healthcare workers are urged to report cases involving suspicious injuries or unidentified patients, especially in rural or conflict-adjacent areas.
Intelligence sharing: Greater coordination between health institutions and security agencies can prevent misuse of medical services by insurgents.
The Borno State Coordinator of AADARAI, Engr. Muhammad Lawan, described the attacks as “inhumane and deeply troubling,” reiterating the link between substance abuse and extremist violence. He stressed that the normalization of drug use among insurgents is a dangerous trend that must be urgently addressed.
AADARAI extended its condolences to the families of the victims, the government of Borno State, led by Babagana Umara Zulum, the Emirate Council, and all residents of the state. The organization called for unity, resilience, and sustained vigilance in the face of adversity.
While the pain of loss lingers, the spirit of Maiduguri remains unbroken. Communities continue to rebuild against fear and violence. Yet, as AADARAI’s message underscores, the fight against terrorism must go beyond the battlefield. It must confront the enablers—the illicit drugs, the hidden networks, and the silent collaborators.
Only through collective responsibility, firm policy enforcement, and unwavering vigilance can the cycle of violence be broken and lasting peace secured.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 18TH 2026)
