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.
ISIS Sahel Fighters Kill Over 70 in Niger Republic Village Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 71 persons have been killed following an attack by suspected Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISIS Sahel) fighters on Manda village in Garoul general area of Tillaberi Region, western Niger Republic.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack, which occurred at about 8:00 p.m. (local time) on June 20, left scores dead, including four sons of the village head, while several houses were completely razed.
According to sources, the assailants stormed the community with heavy weapons, firing indiscriminately at residents and setting homes ablaze.
It was also gathered that no security personnel or elements of the Forces de Défense et de Sécurité (FDS) arrived at the village during or after the incident to intervene or conduct a rescue operation.
Eyewitness accounts said a few villagers who survived the massacre did so by pretending to be dead, hiding beneath the bodies of slain residents.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Tillaberi Region has continued to suffer from increasing violence by extremist groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda, despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region.
ISIS Sahel Fighters Kill Over 70 in Niger Republic Village Attack
In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Malam-Factori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government, on Sunday, engaging directly with soldiers and returnees.
The visit was aimed at encouraging the military in their effort to restore normalcy and build community resilience.
Malam-Fatori is a border community located on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin which was displaced by terrorists about 9 years ago.
At the 68 battalion headquarters where he interfaced with commanding officers and troops, Zulum commended them for their gallantry in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring peace.
“On behalf of myself and the good people of Borno State, I want to commend the officers and men of the 68th battalion. There was an attack by terrorists a few days ago here, and you gallantly repelled it, giving them a deadly blow. Once again, I commend you for your gallantry,” Zulum stated.
Addressing the returnees, mostly from the neighbouring Niger Republic, Zulum urged them to be vigilant and to report any suspicious person or movement to security personnel.
“The government is working tirelessly to provide the support needed for sustainable peace in this community. Insha Allah, Malam-Fatori has come to stay. We will do everything possible to keep this town standing,” Zulum stated, promising increased security measures and development initiatives.
Zulum was accompanied by the Chairman of Malam-Fatori Resettlement Committee, Engr Bukar Talba, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, and the permanent secretary of the government house, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other senior government officials.
In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees
FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has won the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate tournament with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals
Anambra State came in Second with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze, while Bayelsa State was Bayelsa State was Third with 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki said his country is happy to sponsor the tournament as a token of a contribution into sport development in Nigeria.
He said: “It is a great honour for me to be able to attend the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Tournament in Nigeria today. I am proud that we can continue this wonderful tradition, providing a platform to showcase the impressive skills and spirit of Nigeria’s karateka.”
He added that: “I was deeply impressed by not only the skill, but also profound human character, and passion for karate. Indeed, every participant here has embodied the fundamental principles that make karate more than just a sport: discipline, integrity, respect for one’s opponent, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and excellence.
“To the athletes, congratulations on your wonderful performances. The strength you cultivated in the dojo will surely serve you well in life and in your communities.
The success of this tournament is a testament to the collaborative spirit of many people.
“My heartfelt thanks go out to Nigeria Karate Federation, officials, coaches, judges and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.
Next month, Nigeria will host the first-ever African Karate Championship. I understand this is a remarkable achievement, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone. I am confident that the success of this tournament will contribute to the further development of karate at the regional level.”
He added that: “May the practice of karate continue to foster discipline, build character, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations.”
FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament
ISIS Sahel Fighters Kill Over 70 in Niger Republic Village Attack
In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees
FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics10 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
