Proactive Disaster Response Now a National Security Imperative – Ribadu

By Zagazola Makama

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has emphasized the urgent need for a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action, describing it as a national security imperative.

Ribadu made the remark while welcoming Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries to the opening of a high-level workshop on “Coordinated Risk Monitoring and Communication for Floods and Other Disasters,” held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

According to Ribadu, the workshop signals more than just inter-agency collaboration—it marks a renewed national commitment to strengthening early warning systems and ensuring timely responses to disasters that threaten lives and livelihoods.

“For us in the Office of the National Security Adviser, this shift from reactive responses to anticipatory action is not just a humanitarian necessity; it is a national security imperative,” Ribadu stated.

He warned that poorly managed disasters could trigger cascading security risks, including mass displacement, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the deepening of societal fragilities.

“Unmanaged disasters exacerbate insecurity and fuel vulnerabilities. If we fail to prepare, we risk overwhelming our response systems when crises occur,” Ribadu added.

The workshop, attended by key stakeholders from across security, emergency management, and environmental sectors, focused on building resilience through coordinated data-sharing, risk monitoring, and effective public communication strategies.

Ribadu praised the Vice President’s support and the participation of other dignitaries, stating that their presence reaffirmed government’s whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction.

The event is part of broader national efforts to mainstream disaster preparedness into security planning and national development priorities.

Proactive Disaster Response Now a National Security Imperative – Ribadu

Again Terrorists Hits Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline in Tahoua Region

By Zagazola Makama

Suspected terrorists have again attacked the Niger-Benin crude oil pipeline in the early hours of Wednesday in the Konni Department of Niger’s Tahoua Region, marking the fourth such incident this month.

Local sources report that the attack occurred near Dossey, west of Kouliki, a strategic section of the nearly 2,000-kilometre pipeline that transports crude oil from the Agadem oilfields in Niger to the port of Sèmè-Kpodji in Benin.

This latest incident follows a confrontation last Sunday in the same area, where nine assailants were reportedly neutralised by security forces. Despite increased security measures, the pipeline continues to face threats, raising concerns about the protection of vital national infrastructure.

The Niger-Benin pipeline, operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), is a critical asset for Niger’s economy. Repeated attacks not only jeopardise oil exports but also pose significant environmental risks due to potential oil spills.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the group responsible for the latest sabotage. However, previous attacks have been attributed to the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), a rebel group opposing the current military regime in Niger.

Again Terrorists Hits Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline in Tahoua Region

Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

By: Michael Mike

The National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea (NIS) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for its exceptional effort and professionalism in apprehending a wanted 59-year-old drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin.

Ogbonnaya, who have been operating for 17 years underground where he shipped illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, was ended in February following his arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

Ogbonnaya had for years been a pain in the neck of the Korean authorities following the persistent shipment of illicit drugs linked to him to South Korea. As a result, an Interpol red notice was issued against him, while the National Intelligence Service of South Korea sought the help of NDLEA in tracking and arresting him.

He had served a one-year prison sentence in Korea in 2007 for drug offences and deported to Nigeria in 2008. After years of being on his trail, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA eventually arrested him on 12th February 2025, at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.

Excited with the breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service on Wednesday paid the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) a courtesy visit to deliver a letter of appreciation by the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.

In his letter, Cho expressed gratitude for Marwa’s support and “the NDLEA’s exceptional cooperation during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”

According to the Korean Intelligence chief, “Kevin Jeff was responsible for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics into the Republic of Korea, and the NIS had been tracking him for years. I am truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out the first special cooperation, enabling us to bring him to justice. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable cooperation, those long-standing efforts might have been in vain.

“Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for the NDLEA’s exemplary service in this cooperation. Building on this significant achievement in our joint efforts against drug-related crimes, I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.” The NIS delegation comprising: Messrs Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok sought for the extradition of Ogbonnaya to South Korea to face pending drug charges.

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the Koreans’ commendation and assured them that the world can always count on Nigeria in the global effort against illicit drug trafficking.
“We’re delighted to partner with you and be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism. We want to give the assurance that at any time, you can count on us to work together with you towards a drug-free world”, the NDLEA boss stated.

He thanked the Korean government for the donation of some equipment to the agency, adding that they “will be of tremendous help to us as we continue to execute our job of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.” He said he will study their request for extradition and work within the limits allowed by the Nigerian laws and the bilateral agreements between the two countries. He expressed hope in the possibility of getting training opportunities for NDLEA officers in Korean Intelligence training institution as part of the evolving partnership.

Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition