News
Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels

Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the arrest of 50,901 drug offenders including 46 barons and the successful prosecution and conviction of 9,034 of them as well as the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances in the past 38 months has sent the right message to drug cartels and their kingpins that Nigeria won’t tolerate their criminal activities.
Marwa stated this in Lagos on Monday in his remarks at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to NDLEA by the British government.
He commended the British government for its generous support, noting that it would further boost the capability of the anti-narcotic agency in tackling the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He said: “We gather here not just to commission a new building complex but to celebrate a significant milestone in our ongoing fight against the scourge of licit and illicit drug trafficking. Today, we commission the newly acquired building, a project made possible through the generous support of the British Government.
“I must begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to the British Government, for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to our cause. From the onset of our collaboration, the UK has been a steadfast ally in our relentless pursuit to neutralise transnational organised criminal activities, particularly in the realm of illicit drug production and trafficking.
“This building complex stands not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of the enduring partnership between our two nations in the global fight against drug trafficking. It represents the culmination of years of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared determination to combat one of the most pressing threats to our societies.
“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. It will serve as a vital hub for data analysis and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend those responsible. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology at our disposal, we are better equipped than ever before to tackle this complex and ever-evolving challenge head-on.
“But beyond the bricks and mortar, this building complex embodies the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that defines our partnership with the British Government. It is a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared purpose and a shared commitment to making our world a safer place for all.
“As an agency, NDLEA has undergone a tremendous reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by partners like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, resulting in remarkable achievements within the last three years.
“During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse. With a total of 50,901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons, our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice.
“Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes.
“Our seizure of 7,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. We have taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years.”
Marwa, while acknowledging officials of the British government that facilitated the realisation of the project especially Mr. Dave Carter, he called for the strengthening of the partnership between Nigeria and the UK. “As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in our partnership, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. Let us continue to work hand in hand, across borders and boundaries, to disrupt criminal networks, intercept illegal drugs, and bring to justice those who seek to profit from the illicit drug trade.”
He stated that though so much has been achieved under his leadership of the agency, the battle against illicit drugs is far from over. “Let us redouble our efforts, with renewed vigour and determination, as we strive to build a safer, more secure future for generations to come”, he charged.
Speaking at the ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter assured of continued support to NDLEA and Nigeria. According to him, “We, the UK government are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and I’m in particular delighted to have been personally in a number of activities especially your maritime. This building makes a whole set of different actors and capabilities to address any criminal activity.
“We’re delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response. I’ll like to join the chairman in affirming our continued support, our continued cooperation and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA.”
Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels
News
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.
Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.
She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.
She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”
Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.
She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.
“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.
Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.
She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”
Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”
He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.
“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.
The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
News
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.
Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.
He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.
“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.
He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.
“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.
“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.
He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
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