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Continuous training key to successful fight against drug cartels – Marwa
Continuous training key to successful fight against drug cartels – Marwa
By: Michael Mike
The importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking has been emphasised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).
Marwa stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of a two-week training sponsored by the German government for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking.
The closing ceremony, held at the agency’s national headquarters was attended by top management team of the agency and a team of German instructors led by a representative of the German embassy in Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Marwa said: “To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training. Unless personnel are properly equipped with training, they cannot do their job. That is the more reason we are emphasizing the training of our personnel.”
The two-week training organised by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, otherwise known as Bundeskriminalamnt (BKA) covered core areas including principles of crime scene investigations and training in West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The 23 participants, drawn from various departments of the agency, were engaged in classroom work, presentations and practical exercises for the duration of the programme.
The representative of the German embassy, Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio said: “The federal foreign office funding of this programme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in police reforms and security sector reform more generally. Our support reflects the German government’s commitment to fostering stability, especially as it pertains to addressing the menace of international drug trafficking.”
She further appreciated the work of the NDLEA which she described as “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security and wellbeing of its citizens”, adding that: “By investing in the capacity of these officers, you have strengthened not only Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking but also the global framework for combating this menace.”
Marwa, while appreciating the German government’s gesture, said: “We appreciate deeply the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking. It’s a collaborative effort now. Because the drug terrain is international.”
He noted that the canine unit supplied and funded by the Germans has been very effective in critical cases such as the discovery of the Captagon shipment in Lagos Port in 2021.
He said: “To those who have been trained today, congratulations. You are quite lucky to receive this calibre of training from the BKA, one of the world’s most efficient institutions on criminal policing. You have to remember that German training in any respect is at its peak globally. Count yourselves lucky that you are beneficiaries of training from BKA and you have to take full advantage of it and let’s see it on the ground. We also, in time, take full advantage of this training to also train others in the skills that you have acquired.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the participants.
The BKA liaison officer in Nigeria, Dominik Muller presented a donation of kits and resources for substance test to the agency, while the NDLEA also presented plaques and mementos to the trainers in appreciation of their efforts.
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered arms during an offensive operation in Shinkafi LGA.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on March 13 by troops of CT 5, who launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka.
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed bandits and other criminal elements using the locations as operational hideouts.
During the operation at Tubali, troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby forested areas.
“During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.
Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
The recovered items were secured by the troops while further search operations were carried out around the camp to ensure that no other threats remained in the vicinity.
The sources added that when troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, no contact was made with terrorists as the suspects were believed to have fled the area ahead of the troop arrival.
However, troops maintained dominance in the general area while conducting further patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping.
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.
The sources said the suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of ₦7,000.
Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.
“The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region,” the source said.
The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.
The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.
Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.
Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.
According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.
The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.
Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Troops repel attack on Forward Operating Base Azir in Damboa LGA, push back ISWAP terrorists
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 in Damaturu
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
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