Youth exposure to and usage of illicit drugs as an imperative in security discourse in Nigeria: Media`s role in curbing the menace of drug

Abstract

Terrorism, armed robbery, ritual killings, and other sundry criminal acts have put Nigeria’s security under pressure. Insecurity is now a daily topic of discussion in all parts of the country. More disturbing is the fact that most perpetrators of criminal acts associated with insecurity are youth who abuse drugs. Yet, there seems to be a paucity of studies that probe some of the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria. This study, which relied on Social Learning Theory, measured the level of exposure youth have to illicit drugs via social media; established the relationship between illicit drugs consumption and crime/insecurity, and examined the role the media can play in curbing the consumption and/or use of illicit drugs. It used a quantitative research method. Three hundred twenty-two copies of a questionnaire were administered to students of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria selected through a simple sampling technique. Results showed some youth get to know about illicit drugs through social media. A correlation was also found between illicit drug consumption and insecurity. The media can help curb drug abuse by the youth through enlightenment campaigns, among others. The study concluded that the attainment of appreciable security in Nigeria may remain a mirage without adequately addressing the issue of drug abuse. Thus, it was recommended that the media should create more awareness about the negative implications of illicit drug use by the youth by pointing out the dangers associated with drug abuse.