COAS Commends Ebonyi Governor for Strengthening Security, Supporting Nigerian Army

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, describing the state government’s contributions as instrumental to enhancing security and military operations in the state.

The COAS gave the commendation on Tuesday during a curtesy call at the Government House in Abakaliki ahead of the passing-out parade of recruits of the 99 Regular Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Mmasiara, Ebonyi State.

Shaibu congratulated the governor on his achievements since assuming office, noting that the security situation across Ebonyi had improved significantly under his administration.

“It is on record that since your assumption of office, the security situation in the state has improved tremendously,” he said.

The Army Chief described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara as a historic milestone for the South-East, saying it was made possible through the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and equitable distribution of military institutions across the country.

According to him, the depot represents a strategic investment in manpower development and will significantly boost the Nigerian Army’s operational strength in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

He also praised the Ebonyi State Government for facilitating the seamless acquisition of land for the establishment of the depot.

“I am aware of your generous support right from the inception of the project. You ensured that the land for the depot was made available without any encumbrances, thereby enabling the Nigerian Army to commence the project without delay,” he said.

Shaibu further acknowledged Governor Nwifuru’s interventions in promoting peace and stability in the state, particularly his efforts in resolving communal crises.

The COAS also lauded the governor for supporting the construction of a military hospital within the depot, describing the project as critical to the welfare of recruits undergoing intensive military training.

He explained that the hospital would provide essential medical services for trainees and personnel, thereby enhancing the operational capacity and sustainability of the new training institution.

In addition, Shaibu commended the governor for donating three operational vehicles to the military formation, describing the gesture as further evidence of the state’s commitment to strengthening security.

He reiterated that collaboration between state governments and the military remains indispensable in addressing contemporary security challenges across Nigeria.

“The support of state governments is critical to ensuring that the Nigerian Army effectively performs its constitutional responsibilities wherever it is deployed,” he stated.

The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to the people of Ebonyi State for providing a peaceful and hospitable environment for military formations operating in the state.

He noted that the state currently hosts several key Nigerian Army establishments, including the Command Secondary School in Abakaliki, an infantry battalion, an engineering regiment, a corps regiment and the newly established Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara.

Shaibu concluded by thanking Governor Nwifuru and the people of Ebonyi State for their continued partnership with the Nigerian Army, expressing optimism that the collaboration would further enhance peace, security and development in the state and the South-East region.

Responding, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for what he described as the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across the state.

The governor said the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara was a landmark development that would remain one of the greatest federal investments in Ebonyi State, noting that the institution would not only enhance military capacity but also stimulate economic and social development in the region.

Nwifuru credited the improved security situation in the state to the professionalism, courage and intelligence-driven operations of troops deployed to Ebonyi, stressing that residents were now enjoying unprecedented peace.

“Before I even think of calling for assistance, the Army has already responded. That is the level of commitment we have witnessed. Nigerians should appreciate the sacrifices these officers are making because they are truly working,” the governor said.

He disclosed that since the deployment of the current military commanders to the state, Ebonyi had not recorded any successful attack by suspected members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN), attributing the achievement to proactive military operations and close collaboration between the state government and security agencies.

According to him, the operational approach adopted by the military has significantly disrupted criminal activities, with security forces routinely foiling planned attacks through timely intelligence and swift intervention.

Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army with logistics and other operational requirements, saying security remained the foundation for sustainable development.

“We are deeply grateful to the Chief of Army Staff and the officers and soldiers serving in Ebonyi. Their sacrifices have restored confidence among our people, and we will continue to partner with the Nigerian Army to sustain the peace we are enjoying,” he said.

COAS Commends Ebonyi Governor for Strengthening Security, Supporting Nigerian Army

DSS Frees Cardiac Surgeon Martin Aghaji on Bail Over Alleged Economic Crime

By: Michael Mike

A consultant cardiac surgeon, Prof. Martin Aghaji, has been released on bail by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arrest over an alleged economic crime.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) disclosed this in a statement issued by the Chairman of its Lagos State branch, Babajide Kehinde Saheed, who confirmed that the renowned surgeon was arrested by DSS operatives at his residence in Enugu on Thursday, July 2, before being flown to the DSS Lagos State Command for interrogation.

According to the association, the Director of the DSS Lagos State Command informed the Lagos NMA leadership of the arrest and invited its officials to the command, citing the longstanding cordial relationship between the security agency and the medical body.

The statement said a delegation representing the National Officers’ Committee of the NMA, led by its National Publicity Secretary, Olayinka Atilola, visited the DSS office in Lagos on Sunday alongside the Lagos State Chairman, Babajide Kehinde Saheed, the Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Bisoye Akinsulire, and the representative of the Enugu State branch, **Placid Ajachukwu>.

Following the visit, Prof. Aghaji was granted bail on what the association described as liberal terms after the stipulated conditions were met. He was subsequently released into the custody of the NMA delegation.

The NMA said it would not disclose details of the allegations or the ongoing investigation, explaining that the information remains classified to protect the integrity of the probe.

The association also confirmed that neither it nor the DSS would comment on the specific nature of the alleged economic offence at this stage.

The DSS has yet to issue an official public statement on the matter, while investigations into the allegations are continuing.

DSS Frees Cardiac Surgeon Martin Aghaji on Bail Over Alleged Economic Crime

Grandma, PhD Student Lead NDLEA’s Major Cocaine Busts as Agency Tightens Noose on Drug Syndicates

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on international drug trafficking networks with the arrest of a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother attempting to smuggle 13 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom, alongside the dismantling of a Malaysia-bound cocaine syndicate allegedly led by a Nigerian PhD student studying abroad.

The high-profile arrests, announced on Sunday, underscored the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers and the growing involvement of elderly persons and highly educated individuals in transnational narcotics operations.

The agency also intercepted large consignments of tramadol hidden inside vehicle fuel tanks, seized hundreds of kilogrammes of cannabis and methamphetamine across several states, and arrested multiple suspects in coordinated operations nationwide.

The biggest airport seizure involved 67-year-old Mrs. Mary Barek, a Nigerian-British citizen employed as a caregiver in the United Kingdom.

She was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

NDLEA operatives who searched her luggage discovered 31 large wraps of cocaine ingeniously disguised as fresh plantain peels and packed among other food items. The illicit drug weighed 13 kilogrammes.

According to the agency, the suspect admitted ownership of the cocaine during interrogation.

In another breakthrough, NDLEA operatives dismantled an international drug syndicate attempting to smuggle cocaine to Malaysia through a shipment concealed inside the walls of cartons of Orijin Bitters.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the operation culminated in the arrest of 45-year-old Nwabueze Onyeka, a PhD student at the University of Putra, Malaysia, who investigators identified as the alleged mastermind of the trafficking network.

The arrest followed the interception of 36 parcels of cocaine weighing 5.8 kilogrammes hidden inside nine cartons of the herbal alcoholic beverage that formed part of a consolidated cargo destined for Kuala Lumpur.

Babafemi said investigations initially led to the arrest of four suspects in Lagos, including a cargo agent, the driver who transported the consignment, a trader at the ASPANDA Market in the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, and another suspect who allegedly supplied the specially prepared cartons used for concealing the narcotics.

He stated that the trail eventually led operatives to Aziora community in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, where Onyeka was arrested while allegedly hiding in his village.

Beyond the cocaine seizures, NDLEA operatives also intercepted 43,980 capsules of tramadol concealed inside two modified vehicle fuel tanks along the Wukari-Zaki Biam Road in Taraba State.

The suspect, Daniel Harrison Ugwuoke, 30, was reportedly transporting the consignment from Onitsha in Anambra State when he was arrested.

In Kaduna State, anti-narcotics officers arrested two suspects, Boniface Agu, 65, and Monday Nwaeze, 50, after recovering 1.7 kilogrammes of methamphetamine during a raid in Gwantu.

Another 231.7 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered in Ebonyi State from a 65-year-old suspect, Francis Eja.

In Plateau State, operatives arrested a 75-year-old suspect, Alhaji Babani, found in possession of 15 kilogrammes of skunk at Kurgwi in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.

Similarly, in Gombe State, officers arrested two suspects, Dahiru Mohammed, 65, and Isiya Lawan, 36, with 587 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 556 kilogrammes during an intelligence-led operation at Kuri village in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

Alongside the enforcement operations, the agency said it continued its nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitisation programmes in schools and communities across Anambra, Enugu, Ogun and Kano States.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the commands for combining aggressive drug supply reduction efforts with sustained public education campaigns.

The latest arrests come amid growing concerns by security agencies over the use of increasingly sophisticated concealment techniques and the recruitment of unsuspecting couriers, elderly persons and professionals into international drug trafficking networks, as Nigeria continues to strengthen border controls and intelligence-driven operations against transnational organised crime.

Grandma, PhD Student Lead NDLEA’s Major Cocaine Busts as Agency Tightens Noose on Drug Syndicates