The rehabilitation of drug offenders remains a critical challenge within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, exacerbated by widespread substance abuse, socio-economic disparities, and limited rehabilitation infrastructure. With over 14.3 million drug users nationally and more than 40% of Nigerian youths aged 18–35 involved in substance abuse, drug-related offenses contribute significantly to criminal activity, including trafficking, violence, and other societal harms. This study examines the effectiveness of rehabilitation approaches for drug offenders in Nigeria, focusing on interventions aimed at addressing both the root causes of substance abuse and the reintegration of offenders into society. The paper explores the operational context of rehabilitation programs, the challenges encountered in implementation, and the capacity of existing frameworks to achieve meaningful behavioural and social outcomes. Key issues addressed include inadequate facilities, limited access to professional rehabilitation services, and the need for tailored strategies that consider socio-economic and cultural factors influencing drug abuse and recidivism. The research highlights the dual objective of rehabilitation: mitigating the societal impacts of substance abuse while fostering the successful reintegration of offenders. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating rehabilitation methods to determine their efficacy, inform policy, and enhance program design. Findings indicate that while some interventions show promise in reducing recidivism and supporting recovery, systemic limitations—such as insufficient funding, lack of trained personnel, and inconsistent program delivery—continue to undermine overall effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure, expanding access to comprehensive treatment programs, and integrating social support mechanisms are essential for improving outcomes for drug offenders. Additionally, a coordinated approach involving government agencies, community organizations, and law enforcement is necessary to address the complex interplay of social, economic, and psychological factors contributing to drug-related crimes. By enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies, Nigeria can reduce the societal burden of substance abuse and foster a more equitable and efficient criminal justice system
Olawale et al. (Tue,) studied this question.