Exploring West Africa transnational organise crime: the case of Nigerian drug syndicates in Thailand

Abstract

This thesis explores the Nigerian Transnational Organized Drug Syndicates in Thailand (NTODST). As an exploratory study, it aims to discover any new trends and cause and effect relationships among the variables to better understand and gain familiarity with the phenomenon. The objective of the study were to examine the trafficker’s core motivating factors; both states (Thailand and Nigeria) governments’ role in combating the NTODST in Thailand; and the impact on both states. To achieve the aims and objectives, a hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected, examined and analyzed using communicationbased approaches. The data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, specimen observation; review of previous relevant studies for concepts, theories and experts insights. The study thus revealed that: although both states have taken steps that aligned with the measures the UN (United Nations) drug conventions set forth, nonetheless, the problem remains unresolved because the counter narcotics initiatives failed to address the root causes of the problem – the vicious circle of the vulnerability of the Nigerian youths to certain push and pull factors beyond their control that made some Nigerians vulnerable to drug trafficking due to insufficient legitimate opportunities and the enabling environment to make ends meet domestically and in Thailand. The study has therefore proposed recommendations on how to ultimately overcome the shortcomings in the initiatives employed in the fight against the NTODST