Boko Haram draws on tramadol to destroy Nigerian Youth

Shaimaa Hefzi

Nigeria’s terrorist group Boko Haram has turned northeastern regions in Nigeria into a criminal hotbed not only for terrorist activities but also for other dangerous criminal businesses.

Boko Haram members have used tramadol pills as a painkiller and help them overcome the trauma of war.

Dr Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa, who runs one of the few hospital wards treating drugaddicted patients, above, in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria “upsurge” in tramadol abuse.

“Previously, our studies showed that the tramadol use was relatively low among our drug users, at about four per cent, but as of 2014, about 45 per cent of all clients referred to this facility were using it,” he said.

“We understand that some of those taken captive by Boko Haram or who have fought with the group are given the drug to numb their feelings. We’ve had soldiers brought on for addiction treatment as well.”

Tramadol misuse is no longer just confined to those who have witnessed the trauma of war.

Tramadol has become one of the Calabrian Ndrangheta most prosperous businesses.

An Italian newspaper reported last year that the police had confiscated nearly 100 million tramadol tablets meant for ISIS operatives in Libya. The tramadol pills were planned to be shipped to Boko Haram in Nigeria.