THE IMPACT OF DRUG ABUSE ON CRIME RATES IN BWARI AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of drug abuse on crime rates in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. The increasing prevalence of substance abuse among youths in the area has raised significant concern due to its perceived relationship with criminal behaviours such as theft, violence, cultism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to selected youths and key stakeholders in Bwari Area Council. The analysis focused on identifying common drugs of abuse and determining the relationship between drug abuse and crime rates. Findings revealed that cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and alcohol are the most commonly abused substances among youths in the area, largely due to peer influence, accessibility, and socio-economic challenges. The study further established a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between drug abuse and crime rates, indicating that increased substance use is associated with higher levels of criminal activity. The hypothesis testing confirmed that drug abuse significantly influences crime rates in Bwari Area Council. The study concludes that drug abuse is a major contributing factor to youth involvement in crime in the area and is driven by structural and social factors such as unemployment, poverty, weak family control, and inadequate enforcement of drug laws. It recommends improved drug education, youth empowerment programs, stronger law enforcement, and the establishment of rehabilitation centres to address the problem effectively.