News
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.
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists, recover arms in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition in Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the arrest followed a swift response to a distress call on May 7 regarding the movement of armed men in the Tau general area of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
Three of the suspects were found in possession of firearms during the operation, while one other suspect was arrested for further investigation.
Items recovered from the suspects include two pump-action rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 42 cartridges, three cutlasses, four mobile phones, and one national identity card.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly invited by one Alhaji Ardo Sani, whose involvement is currently under investigation.
Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift and professional conduct during the operation.
He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Taraba State and its environs.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations and enhance peace and stability in the state.
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists, recover arms in Taraba
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Drama in court: Judge withdraws, returns Gombe land tussle case to CJ
A mild drama ensued on Wednesday at the Gombe State High Court when a judge, Justice Fatima Musa recused herself from presiding over a high-profile land encroachment case involving Emir General Integrated Limited and a construction company contracted to build the state’s proposed Mechanics Village, known as Grandscope Construction Limited.
Emir General Integrated Limited had earlier sued the construction firm, alleging trespass on its land. The Gombe State Government also recently filed an application to be joined in the suit as a co-defendant.
During the latest court sitting on Wednesday, Justice Fatima Musa shocked parties involved by announcing her withdrawal from the case, citing personal reasons. She stated that the case would be returned to the Chief Judge of the State for reassignment to another judge.
Reacting to the development, counsel to the first defendant, Grandscope Construction Limited, Barrister Daniel Tsaro, described the judge’s decision as not uncommon, adding that his clients had no objections.
On his part, counsel to Emir General Integrated Limited, Barrister Suleiman Abdulrahim, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the matter to its conclusion, regardless of which court it is reassigned to.
It would be recalled that during a previous sitting, the court had granted an interim order restraining Grandscope Construction Limited from further accessing or commencing construction on the disputed land, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.
Drama in court: Judge withdraws, returns Gombe land tussle case to CJ
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists, recover arms in Taraba
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
ECOWAS Pushes Stronger for Actualisation of Free Movement within the Sub region
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