Crime
NDLEA destroys over 560,000 kilogrammes of illicit in landmark exercise
NDLEA destroys over 560,000 kilogrammes of illicit in landmark exercise
By Michael Mike
Over 560,000 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs have been destroyed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a single largest destruction in its 32-year history.
A press statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the NDLEA set ablaze over 560,068.31 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs on the same day, “the largest to be destroyed in the 32-year history of the NDLEA.”
Babafemi said leading other top officials of NDLEA, other security agencies and members of the public in the burning of heaps of illicit drugs, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) said the exercise is a strong message to drug barons and cartels that they will continue to lose their huge investments in the criminal trade if they fail to back out and look for other legitimate businesses.
He said a breakdown of the 560,068.31 kilogrammes of the illicit substances burnt at a brief ceremony in the Badagary area of Lagos include: 7,414.519 kilogrammes of cocaine; 161,206 kilogrammes heroin; 1,144.8 kilogrammes of methamphetamine; 60,144 kilogrammes ephedrine; 311,416.19 kilogrammes cannabis Sativa; 10,091.83 kilogrammes khat; 273.22 kilogrammes tramadol; 0.000170 kilogrammes benylin with codeine and 8,207.75 kilogrammes of other psychotropic substances, which were seized by commands in Lagos State including the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) command; Lagos state command; and the Seme Special Area command from persons convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court as well as abandoned seizures.
Speaking at the ceremony, Marwa said: “It is gratifying to know that our drug law enforcement efforts are not in vain. Our efforts not only resulted in the seizure of the aforementioned drugs but also culminated in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the offenders in court. Since January 2021, we have arrested over 17,647 drug offenders of which 2,385 have been convicted in court.
“In the process, we have seized over 3.5 million kilos of assorted drugs. The business of today is yet another indication that officers and men of NDLEA are not relenting in the pursuit of the Agency’s mandate to make Nigeria safe from the drug scourge.
“I stand here today before you to give the assurance that NDLEA will continue to explore various ways, legal and within the ambit of orthodox drug law enforcement, to address the drug problem in the country. And there is no better time than now to adopt evidence-based programmes and policies to counter the destructive impact of the drug scourge, which has pervaded our society in the past few years.”
Marwa, while assuring that the agency will not only focus on drug supply reduction, he said, “we are equally broadening our drug demand reduction efforts, and especially working hard on drug use prevention programmes. Among other measures, we are reaching out to young people through prevention messages on our social media platforms. We are not oblivious of the fact that some teenagers and young adults are exposed to drugs at a very young age, particularly in deprived circumstances.
“The agency is working with other institutions to provide educational opportunities, vocational skills training and other socio-economic support for this vulnerable group.”
He added that: “In everything we do, we strive to align our efforts with international best practices. Only a few weeks ago, NDLEA launched a 24/7 toll-free call centre for people who are drug-dependent or suffering from drug use disorder, their families, employers of labour, and members of the public who need any form of help. The centre which has a team of dedicated, well-trained professionals in the mental health practices including psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and counsellors, currently receives calls in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages.”
The anti-narcotics czar, while commending the officers and men of the agency for their commitment that has made possible notable achievements of the agency, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his political will in tackling the drug menace.
He said: “We equally appreciate the contribution of our local and international partners, who are instrumental to the successes we have recorded. We also thank members of society who are working with us to safeguard the health of our communities.
“I urge all stakeholders in this campaign against abuse and trafficking of illicit substances to not relent but intensify support for NDLEA. On our part, we will continue to identify new approaches and expand our scope of operations to ensure that our communities, states and country is safe, healthy, and secure.”
The NDLEA boss had earlier led his top officials on a courtesy visit to the Akran of Badagry, Oba Claudius Dosa Akran, De When Aholu Menu-Toyi 1 who he implored to set up a drug control committee in his kingdom as part of efforts to support the war against drug abuse in the country.
Yobe: Police warns public property vandals to desist or face the wrath of the law
By: Our Reporter
Yobe State Police Command has placed security surveillance measures around public properties, especially electricity power distribution cables around the state.This is akin to numinous reports of vandalization of electricity power transformers distribution cables and other important edifice.
The Command succeeded and arrested one of the notorious Vandals who specialised in vandalization of electricity power distribution transformers cables in Damaturu and other nearby towns.
Thus, on 16 May 2024, at about 1300hrs personnel, of C Divisional Police Headquarters, intercepted One Saminu Garba aged, 23 years old, of Maiduguri Borno State. The suspect was arrested among two other syndicate members who evaded arrest and fled. The command has begun a swift chase to arrest them soon. The suspects, were namely : Audu Ismail and Abba Mohammed of the same state. The suspect confessed to having vandalized an electricity transformer situated at the state low-cost via Gujba Road , Damaturu. In the midnight of 16th May 2024
The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, warned perpetrators to desist or face the full wrath of the law while reiterating the commitment of the command relentless efforts towards untoward criminal activities in the state. However, he urges good members of the public to report suspicious activities of such types of miscreants to the nearest police station, and those who buy stolen vandalized properties stiffer sanctions will be meted out on them accordingly.
Yobe: Police warns public property vandals to desist or face the wrath of the law
Army troops gun down Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP Commander incharge of VBIED
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation Desert Sanity III, Operation Hadin Kai have nutrialised Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP top Commander in-charge of Vehicle Bomb Improvised Explosive Device(VBEID) in Sambisa Forest.
Muhammadu was nutrialised on May 14 after the made gradual but unprecedented incursions into the insurgents’ dens in Ukuba and Njimia in Bama Local Government Area.
The terrorists kingpin operate a major fabrication workshop where he made Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device(PBVIED) Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosives Device(VBIED) Road Side Borne Improvised Explosive Device(RSBIED).
Muhammadu had sent many under age children into suicide bombing after conscripting them into believing that when they died they will go to heaven. Among those that he used as human bombs were his three children.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops also intercepted a vehicle that was already armed with explosive which was designed to target advancing troops.
Despite the obvious challenges of difficult terrain, IED threats the troops continue to maintain the momentum, remaining focused and determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists.
Army troops gun down Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP Commander incharge of VBIED
Crime
Operation Lake Sanity 2: Troops Neutralise one Terrorist, Thwart Boko Haram Logistics Movement
Operation Lake Sanity 2: Troops Neutralise one Terrorist, Thwart Boko Haram Logistics Movement
By: Babagana Wakil
As part of the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity 2, troops of Sector 2 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) based in Bagasola, Chad, conducted an ambush on 13 May 2024. This operation took place on Litri Island, situated on the border between Chad and Nigeria in the Central Lake Chad, resulting in the neutralization of one terrorist. The troops were able to recover several items from the operation, including one AK 47 rifle, 2 x magazines, one unexploded ordnance device, a mobile phone, and other personal belongings. This marks a blow to terrorist capabilities in the area.
Complementing this success, on 11 May 2024, troops from 19 Brigade Sector 3 MNJTF disrupted a logistics movement by Boko Haram terrorists in the Burwarti area of Kukawa LGA, Borno State, Nigeria. The ambush led to the capture of 2 motorcycles, one Baofeng radio, 4 bags of millet, and various miscellaneous items. Following this operation, on 12 May 2024, a clearance operation from Burwarti to Daban Masara resulted in the intercept of a civilian vehicle by troops. The vehicle, driven by Mr Baba Ado, carrying passengers and empty baskets towards Daban Masara, was found 6km east of Burwarti. After a thorough search and interrogation, Mr Baba Ado, who was on the 19 Brigade’s watch list, was detained for further investigation.
Adding to these successes, on 13 May 2024, the Nigerien Gendarmerie in Sector 4 MNJTF located in Diffa, Niger Republic, seized petroleum products concealed within sacks of maize cereals. This operation, conducted about 5km from the main road on the outskirts of Diffa town, thwarted an attempt to smuggle these products past security checkpoints, products that were destined for terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
These collective efforts significantly undermine the logistical and operational capabilities of terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin region. The MNJTF remains committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism and restore peace and security to the region.
Operation Lake Sanity 2: Troops Neutralise one Terrorist, Thwart Boko Haram Logistics Movement
GOC 7 Div. Visit frontline troops in Sambisa Forest, lauded them for killing 21 terrorists and rescuing 386 civilians
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