Nigeria, Ghana Close Ranks Against Drug Cartels, Sign Landmark Anti-Trafficking Pact

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Ghana have reinforced their joint fight against drug trafficking networks in West Africa, sending a strong warning to criminal cartels with a new wave of coordinated enforcement and intelligence-sharing efforts.

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that both countries are now more aligned than ever in tackling transnational drug crimes. He spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Brig. Gen. Maxwell Obuba Mantey.

Marwa described the visit as a strategic step beyond diplomacy, emphasizing that the growing sophistication of drug trafficking and its links to money laundering demand deeper regional collaboration.

“Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to destabilize our societies with illicit drugs: Nigeria and Ghana stand united,” he said, noting that joint efforts in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies would significantly shrink the operational space for criminal networks.

A major highlight of the engagement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies. The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation in combating the production and trafficking of psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and associated financial crimes.

Marwa said the MoU transforms an already strong relationship into a “structured, aggressive, and unified front” against drug barons, adding that both countries would intensify joint training, digital forensics collaboration, and coordinated operations across the West African corridor.

On his part, Mantey acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security, describing the relationship between both countries as one rooted in shared history and mutual respect. He stressed that the visit was aimed at strengthening existing ties rather than starting new ones.

He warned that drug trafficking across West Africa is becoming more complex, with traffickers adopting advanced methods, expanding maritime routes, and increasing the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. He also noted a shift in Ghana’s role from primarily a transit hub to a country facing rising domestic drug use and distribution challenges.

“No single country can effectively address this threat in isolation,” Mantey said, underscoring the need for practical cooperation in operations, intelligence sharing, and institutional capacity building.

He added that the success of the new partnership would depend on concrete implementation, including coordinated enforcement actions and sustained collaboration between both agencies.

The meeting, held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, was attended by senior officials from both countries, including representatives of the Ghanaian High Commission.

The renewed alliance signals a broader regional push to confront organized drug networks, amid growing concerns over their impact on security, governance, and public health across West Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Close Ranks Against Drug Cartels, Sign Landmark Anti-Trafficking Pact

Yobe: Karai community declares support for Baba Malal Wali

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Karai-Karai community across the Yobe South Senatorial District (Zone B) has pledged their loyalty and support to Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, the preferred governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

Former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Adamu Chillariye revealed that the representatives of the Karai-Karai community from Potiskum, Nangere, Fune, and Fika local government areas visited Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI to congratulate him and also to reassure him of their loyalty and their unflinching support for his aspiration.

“Our message is short and simple: ‘Be rest assured of the support of the Karai-Karai community; we will deliver you in 2027, insha Allah.’ ” The former state deputy governor, Alhaji Aliyu Saleh Bagare, said.

Also speaking, the state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, thanked the Karai-Karai community for expressing their support to the party’s choice.

Responding, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the community that would be carried along to be part of the administration after the election.

Wali also appreciated the sense of unity and commitment to his aspiration and the party saying it is a commitment to the continuity of the progressive government of the Buni administration.

Yobe: Karai community declares support for Baba Malal Wali

Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have intervened in a reported farm destruction incident in Lamingo village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:10 a.m. on May 3 when troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 12), Lamingo, responded to a distress report of cattle grazing within the compound of one Mrs. Shittu Yakubu.

The sources disclosed that upon arrival, the troops intercepted the cattle, while the herder fled the scene on sighting security personnel.

According to the sources, the owner of the cattle, identified as Alhaji Mamuda Ibrahim, has since been contacted to facilitate an amicable resolution of the incident.

They added that the situation was brought under control without further escalation.

The sources noted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen community engagement and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the area.

Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution