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Garlands for a warrior against hard drugs as Joseph Icha exits the north east war theatre

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3 years ago

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Garlands for a warrior against hard drugs as Joseph Icha exits the north east war theatre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA set up in 1989 have done a lot to ease the prevalence of hard drugs in Nigeria. The agency has weathered the storm in spite of the myriads of deficits in their work space in Borno state. Such include equipments or even a conducive and safe environment to work from especially in war theatres like North East Nigeria. And this is because the agency has been blessed with many fine officers who God has sent to uplift the image and capacity of the agency from where they were to the expectations of the contemporary.

One of such officers is the former Borno State Commander Joseph Icha who came into the state in 2019 and has transformed the men and officials to a hard drug strike force which has been able to penetrate the crannies of the state to bring the prevalence of such drugs down. He is in the focus of my binocular this week because of his recent promotion to Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN). Since 2014 I first encountered the north east theatre of war, Icha is the first official to have achieved such a senior rank in the cause of his contributions to humanity. And this is done out of mere creativity in the realm of counter insurgency because so many factors exist to discourage any officer from stretching his capacity but he kept tugging on.

Imagine a situation where drug agencies in advanced climes have enough personnel, armored tanks to storm strong holds of Czars but ours do not have. Well fortified barracks for personnel were no insurgent can walk in and pick them up like chicken to feast on. They rather utilize the protection and fire cover of other agencies like the police with those facilities whenever they need to go on extremely dangerous operations.

Take a scenario in which operatives are supposed to be in barracks yet these patriotic Nigerians have been living under make shift conditions in the former SDP and NRC offices built by head of state Babangida but abandoned by the same politicians he thought he was straight jacketing. They stay in their offices without no tanks to fight back in case one confused drug Lord sends his people to come after them to retrieve drugs that have been seized from their hands. In maiduguri, they have stayed under such dangerous enclosures with no backdoor of escape even when the boko haram insurgents had over run 21 council areas and were encircling maiduguri the capital of Borno State.

Read Also: https://dailypost.ng/2023/07/04/borno-state-university-to-produce-first-set-of-graduates-this-academic-year-prof-sandabe/

That is the condition that Commander Joseph lcha inherited and has been managing his people inside the insurgency choked territory of Borno State in the last four years before this promotion which has taken him right into the heart of management to share the knowledge of the massive experience he has acquired in the war theatre. To me, this is one man who understood how much drugs was contributing to the insurgency and did his best to make sure that the insurgents were starved of the supplies from within the country. He is the real counter insurgency expert who knew how to handle even soldiers who got hooked on such hard drugs before they penetrate the savanna looking for terrorists. Because of his persona no fracas occurred between his men and troops of the Nigerian Army at the notorious “kasua fara” near the 7 division yet erring ones were arrested and prosecuted for violating the law.

In a recent interview I had with him, he was quite emotional about his stay in the theatre and said he was prepared to contribute to anywhere he was taken to. Indeed he has been posted to Abuja to work with his chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa. Here is his last interview with me as State commander:

I assume that this is the last interview I am going to have with you as commander here because in the next couple of months you are going to assume office in Abuja, or somewhere in a zonal location with more than one states to manage and turn around your boys as usual.. Laughter?

Why would you assume that?

Because you have being giving a senior rank which is beyond ordinary state level

No! It’s at the discretion of NDLEA management to decide what they would do with me. Whatever they decide, I will abide by it and continue to do my best to ensure that I achieve the mission and vision of the agency.

Ok, so it is not compulsory that like in the Nigerian Police, once you become an AIG you are disqualified from holding a state, you should hold 5, 4 or 3 states to manage?

Yes, in NDLEA any one of the ranks of ACGN where the slot is available. We have zonal command; we have 15 zones. You can be appointed a zonal commander to over see a number of states. You may be appointed, depending on the availability of vacancy. Or you may be appointed a director. But it’s purely on vacancy.

How many years have you being here and what do you regard as land mark achievements to our common humanity against these killer drugs?

By a month from today, (day of interview) that’s by July 26th, I will be 4 years old in the state and this 4 years have been very eventful. We have recorded massive arrests in 2020. 20th August that same year, we carried out public destruction of hard drugs weighing 19,200 kg. By 26th July this year I will be 4 years in Borno. But I resumed 26th July 2019 and we carried out exhibits burning public destruction since 2020, 21st August. Then we later recorded arrest, of a single seizure, one of the largest single seizure of exhibits weighing 10,500 kg. But right now, we have secured various arrests and seizures of various quantities. Right now we have secured all the necessary documentation to publicly destroy drug exhibits weighing 15,200 kg waiting for destruction. The other one was 19,000 kg. But this one now as at yesterday we have secured 15,000 kg and this will be the second public destruction in 3 years.

When will that take place?

We have secured all the permits, so we are just waiting to execute. Execution is subject to funding.

Are we expecting the Chairman?

We are expecting everybody, if possible the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are expecting everybody. So hopefully whenever the dates are fixed and the funding have been made available, we will carry out that destruction. And generally you will observe that the insurgency is coming down and that is a sign that all the various instigating factors, that contribute to the insurgency have been defeated. And there is no gain saying that drug trafficking influence persons in the war.

Have been defeated meaning your men can bounce into any strong hold with tanks or no tanks and get the culprits they want?

No, we will still get support. I am just stressing the fact that successes have been achieved. That is what it means. There is nowhere, even in the US……. there is no country where you can just barge in and make arrests. You have to plan, you have to organize. You have to look at the risk and plan yourself accordingly.

Indeed while the State commander was planning the destruction of the accumulated drugs, he was suddenly transformed to the rank of ACGN in the agency. I interacted with this remarkable officer for the last four years and it was so difficult to place his background discipline because of the massive exposure he carries around. At some point, I thought he was a trained mass communicator because he understood us so much. At another point, I felt he was student of psychology or English language because of smooth communication skills with us the gentlemen of the fourth estate. I was shocked when he told me he was an economist during the interview which he managed to grant under the pressure of his entire management staff waiting for him for a meeting. He had just returned from the celebration of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit drug trafficking 2023 with the theme “People first Stop Stigma and discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”. For me I have always also seen him as an academic who was fit enough to teach based on the way he evolves in reaching out to his own staff when ever the need arises. The usual lecturer side of him came out clearly in this speech delivered at the indimi international conference centre University of Maiduguri recently where he was asked to present a paper in what looks like his last public appearance as it seems now.

Hear him : “I am pleased to welcome you all to this year’s celebration of the 2023 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking of Illicit Drugs. It is a day of utmost importance to the global community in the continuous effort to ameliorate the consequences of abuse of illicit substances and make our world a safer place.This year, the theme is “PEOPLE FIRST, STOP STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION, STRENGTHEN PREVENTION” It means protecting people and communities alike by ending the impunity of drug traffickers who are just basically profiting from the pains of substance use dependant persons.

“So many people are suffering from drug use disorders. Less than one fifth are in treatment. Drug users are doubly victimized, first by the harmful effects of the drugs themselves, and secondly by the stigma and discrimination they face.People who use drugs can often face significant barriers to seeking treatment and health services.

“Meanwhile drug traffickers continue to prey on drug users, rapidly escalating the production of dangerous, highly addictive synthetic drugs, like Meth, ICE, junkie etc. Borno state command is seriously cracking down on drug traffickers, dealers, their assets, and their collaborators, while equally ensuring that their victims get the necessary care they deserve.Between January and 25th June 2023, the State Command has arrested 317 persons for various drug offences. 313 males and 04 females. While illicit drugs weighing 1,152.6 Kilograms were seized.

“By This time last year, the command had arrested 208 persons for various drug offences, comprising of 202 males and 06 women. While 149.12 kilograms of drugs were seized. This shows a significant increase in the number of persons arrested and the quantity of drugs seized.In achieving this feat, the command has enjoyed encouraging support from the Borno State Government and from the Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee. Dr Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum. The entire security architecture in the state has been very supportive and has always given us the needed synergy to achieve success in the drug war. To this regard, I say a very big thank you to the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Customs Service, Immigration Service, Correctional Service, FRSC and NAFDAC.

Drug Campaigns

“In taking the good people of Borno State first, the command had engaged in massive drug abuse campaigns across the length and breath of the State. We have established War Against Drug Abuse Clubs in all the tertiary institutions in Maiduguri and all the Secondary Schools in Maiduguri metropolis. We engaged in advocacy visits and activities that will highlight the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The Command has also ensured that Drug Abuse Preventive Education is provided across the board to all associations, institutions, youth groups, etc.

Counseling to victims

On counseling to the society: He went on “The Command has a Counselling Centre where we have given 250 persons brief counselling intervention and have admitted 14 persons for long term counselling, out of which 10 were successfully treated and reintegrated with their families. The command is hoping that our counselling facility will be expanded and built to international standard, where we can admit more persons with substance use disorder (Both male and female). Thank you all

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Her Excellency, The first Lady of the State, Dr Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum and the State Drug Control committee for the support in ensuring that Borno State remains a drug free state.Furthermore, I want to appreciate all partners, Both Local and International; for their unwavering commitment to end the scourge of drug abuse in the State.To the officers and men of the command, I say thank you for your commitment to duty.Ladies and gentlemen, as a community, let’s continue our collaborative effort to end drug abuse, illicit trafficking and the stigma endured by drug users in the state.Thank you all for listening.”

This was his last outing as Borno state commander. I wish to use this opportunity to wish this friend of mine a fruitful work relationship with his colleagues in the ndlea headquarters in Abuja.

Garlands for a warrior against hard drugs as Joseph Icha exits the north east war theatre

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Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

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2 days ago

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June 11, 2026

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Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

By Balami Lazarus

Insecurity remains the most daunting challenge confronting Nigeria today, undermining our very existence and threatening the social and economic fabric of the nation. As a concerned citizen and observer of Nigeria’s ongoing crises, I hereby present my personal and radical perspective on how to eradicate this menace once and for all. This discourse is not an official stance of any institution but rather a heartfelt plea for decisive and transformative actions.

The scale of insecurity in Nigeria is alarming. Kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism have become the ominous triad casting a shadow over the country. Daily headlines recount stories of abductions, killings, and destruction of property, raising urgent questions: Are Nigerians truly safe? What concrete measures have our leaders put in place? Equally important, what roles are citizens playing in reversing this trend? The answers to these questions are not encouraging.

Drawing inspiration from the defiant spirit of the rock band Twisted Sister and their 1984 anthem, “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” the Nigerian people are increasingly exasperated with governmental inertia and broken promises. There is a collective realization that the status quo is untenable, and something must change radically. Yet, the fog of insecurity thickens, shrouded in layers of suspected conspiracies and opaque dealings that complicate straightforward solutions.

Having reflected deeply on the root causes and potential remedies, I propose a multi-dimensional and radical strategy aimed at dismantling the structures that perpetuate insecurity. This approach challenges conventional wisdom and demands bold leadership and citizen cooperation. It begins with the fundamental re-evaluation of Nigeria’s historical, geographical, and political arrangements—a re-examination crucial for any meaningful intervention.

First and foremost, restructuring Nigeria is imperative. Our current centralized system breeds inefficiency and disconnects governance from ground realities. A major component of this restructuring is the establishment of state police forces across all federating units. Each state should deploy well-trained, properly equipped security personnel, armed with sophisticated weaponry and clear operational mandates to combat insurgents, kidnappers, and bandits proactively. Presently, the absence of localized policing forces handicaps rapid response and intelligence gathering, allowing criminal elements to thrive.

State police would serve as frontline defenders, customizing security strategies to the unique threats within their jurisdictions. The federal police force can then focus on broader national security tasks rather than overstretching its already limited resources. By decentralizing policing, the government would empower states to take ownership of their security challenges, fostering accountability and efficiency.

Nigeria has already paid a dear price in lives lost and properties destroyed due to insecurity. The ripple effects extend to economic downturns, reduced foreign investment, and increased poverty—factors that further entrench instability. Given the apparent lack of political will by federal authorities to decisively confront these threats, an alternative democratic mechanism such as a national referendum on regional governments should be considered. This would allow the six geopolitical zones plus the Middle Belt to govern their affairs with greater autonomy, tailoring policies and security frameworks to local needs.

Such regionalism could dilute the potency of criminal networks by disrupting their operations and reducing the power vacuum currently exploited in many areas. Regional governments would also be better positioned to address socio-economic development, a vital component in the fight against insecurity since marginalization and unemployment often fuel violence.

However, if these reforms fail or are ignored, a more drastic option looms: the peaceful separation and balkanization of Nigeria into distinct republics. While controversial, this last-resort proposal recognizes the deep divisions exacerbating insecurity and mistrust among ethnic and regional groups. Envision independent states such as Biafra, Oduduwa, Niger Delta Republic, Middle Belt Republic, and Arewa, alongside any other ethnic groups seeking self-determination. Would insecurity persist in this new arrangement? I argue capital “no.”

Fragmenting the country along ethnic and cultural lines could usher in relative peace by allowing homogeneous populations to govern themselves without imposed central authority that currently breeds conflict. While skeptics fear such a breakup could trigger further violence, history suggests that forced unity without consensus breeds chronic instability. Thus, a consensual and peaceful partition might be preferable to ongoing bloodshed and despair.

This is not a call for reckless division but a candid assessment of the realities Nigerians face daily. The government, under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, stands at a crossroads. It can either embrace genuine reforms and act boldly to restructure governance and security frameworks or risk the disintegration of the Nigerian state altogether.

I believe Nigeria’s insecurity crisis demands radical and multifaceted solutions beyond incremental adjustments. The establishment of state police forces, regional autonomy through a national referendum, and, if necessary, peaceful balkanization represent pathways to ending this menace. The time for rhetoric is over; the moment for courageous and visionary action is now. If neglected, Nigeria’s unity and stability will unravel, leaving behind fractured states grappling with even graver challenges.

I urge the government, stakeholders, and citizens alike to consider these proposals thoughtfully and engage in frank discussions about the future of our nation. Only then can we hope to reclaim the peace and prosperity that every Nigerian deserves.

Balami Lazarus

Publisher/Columnist

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Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

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Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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2 weeks ago

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May 29, 2026

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Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

By: Balami Lazarus

Long-term investments have never been the likes of most Nigerians. In fact, few have come to realize the secret of letting my money work for me through my investments in some going concerns (businesses).

Good and profitable investments in the three businesses

Arms will go a long way for financial independence and freedom.

Let me draw your attention to life in the jungle where rules are conditioned based on territorial control. The honey badger, the most fearless of all animals, has no respect for territories, including the swamps where crocodiles are kings. The Honey Badgers have long realized that their physical strength and ability do not lie in their size but in their biological capacity and anatomical system to do what they are used to doing at ease among other animals in the wild.

Similarly, if you invest and take a position in the three business investments, no doubt your returns on investments (RoI) will give you the desired results to control and rule without territorial limits in your domestic affairs and the environment.

I am not a business owner but a part owner of some businesses. One thing I know, and I always do, is to continue to develop and improve myself with knowledge in business investments for financial freedom and independence, considering my attitudes for self-freedom for when to do and/or not to do. Reasonably, you can exhibit this financial freedom through your returns on investments (RoI).

This has taught me what to do and when. It has further educated me on how, when, and where to invest—short or long-term period. I have also learned to develop some businesses and lease them out to other people to run them.

The information age has these days made making money through investments much easier and cheaper for those who want to be financially independent if tomorrow comes, most times with a modicum of health.

challenges.

Investment benefits will improve and

stabilized your mental and social life; an alibi to aging gracefully when the body is tired, weak, and fragile.

What are these three (3) arm investments? The phrase is my coinage, which simply means property (real estate), agriculture, and stocks. While some called it business streams. However, the good

The thing about investments is that an investor is making money in other businesses and is free from being part of the management of the business.

Therefore, the objective of every business investment is to translate them into financial gains. That is why core investors are always on the lookout for investment opportunities to put their money in and become part owners of the business concerns.

This piece, I believe, will be food for thought for wise minds. Better late than never.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist 08036779290

Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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2 months ago

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April 21, 2026

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

By: Balami Lazarus

This piece made me recall my attempt to write the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) examinations years ago that I cannot remember now. I deliberately failed to continue with no reasons to give or shift blame as an escape route, which humans many do to console themselves of their failures. I (the writer) have learned never to do that.

However, no knowledge or experience is a waste for a wiseman. Hence, this work is derived from the knowledge gotten from the handouts and books I read on capital, equity, and/or stock market investments, where patience is the guiding principle as an investor taking into consideration this formula: Money > Units (Stocks) × Time + Patience = capital appreciations/dividends.

Many Nigerians are unaware of this equity/capital market. And if they do, they lack knowledge on what to do and how to invest in this market (kasuwan hanun jari).

It will shock you to know that there are so many share certificates in the hands of the citizens, amounting to thousands of units of shares worth billions of naira put together, laying fallow, not knowing what to do with them.

For I have seen many and assisted friends and relatives on what to do. Thanks for the digitalization of the market; it has made things much easier for investors and traders, including dividend payments currently taking place.

And surprisingly, there is over $190 billion in unclaimed dividends in the coffers of the federal government under the watch of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is the regulatory body.

This large amount of money came as a result of some shareholders not knowing how to claim their dividends. While others may be due to the attitudes of procrastination.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), now officially Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, which is run as a public liability company guided by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its nomenclature as (NGX), also has her stocks traded on the exchange floor at Lagos.

I will not say much on the NGX. But be informed it is the trading floor of public companies’ stocks listed with the exchange where traders and investors can buy and sell their stocks or simply shares from Mondays to Fridays (5 times) in a week from 9am to 2pm daily.

Every year most companies hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM), informing their shareholders of the progress of their companies and whether or not to declare dividends to their shareholders depending on the strength of profits after tax (PAT) to those whose names appear on the list of the company registrars before the date of declaration.

The season of dividend declarations is most times done in April through June of each year. However, companies’ dividends vary in the sum of money paid to their shareholders depending on their units’ holdings in each company as part owners.

Dividends have added monetary value to shareholders and, by extension, improved the capacity of small- and medium-scale businesses in the economy because of the large amounts of money that have been paid into their various accounts either as individuals or as business enterprises.

Investors and capital market watchers are one group in society that is better informed on this segment of the Nigerian economy. And the investing group of citizens are making millions upon millions of naira from their investments in the market.

Take Guaranty Trust Company (GTCO) Plc, owners of Guaranty Trust Bank, as an example. Having declared a dividend of 11.67kobo per share for her shareholders. And assuming you, the reader, have a shareholding of only 1 million units. #11.67k x 1m = to #11,670,000 less 10% withholding tax (WHT), you will be credited with #10,503,000 your dividend as return on investment (RoI) on 28th April 2026 payment date.

What a profitable investment/dividend payment season.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist. 08036779290

Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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