Welfare allegations against 90 amphibious battalion Commanding Officer proven inaccurate

By: Zagazola Makama

Contrary to recent media reports alleging mismanagement of soldiers’ allowances and welfare at the 90 Amphibious Battalion, Koko, a detailed review confirms that the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt. Colonel M.M. Garba, has maintained proper management of all entitlements and provided additional support to deployed personnel.

Investigations reveal that allegations of diversion of allowances, inadequate feeding, and extended duty rotations were unfounded. The battalion, which comprises 400 soldiers, with 300 deployed to oil facilities and 100 remaining at base, has witnessed an increase in allowances under the current Commanding Officer.

The RCA allowance, previously ₦30,000, was raised to ₦40,000 monthly and applied to all soldiers uniformly. Further clarification indicates that deployed soldiers receive a ₦150,000 monthly feeding allowance directly from the oil companies supporting operations, with funds transferred straight into the soldiers’ accounts,”two sources from the company confirmed.

However, SEPLAT, one of the partner companies, has reportedly not made payments since January 2025, contrary to claims that soldiers receive only ₦40,000, a sources from the company further confirmed.

In addition to standard entitlements, The Commanding Officer personally contributes approximately ₦7 million monthly for feeding across deployed locations and the base. This voluntary support aims to sustain morale and operational readiness, marking a significant improvement in welfare since his assumption of command in January 2025.

A preliminary assessment suggests the recent allegations may have been motivated by misinformation or deliberate attempts to undermine the CO’s credibility, create internal disaffection, or misrepresent welfare standards compared with other regions.

Some soldiers who spoke to Zagazola under conditions of anonymity said “Our Commanding Officer has never misappropriated soldiers’ allowances. Every soldier receives their full entitlements, and sometimes he provided more support voluntarily,”he said.

“Our CO na Good man i swear all this lies we day see for internet, we sef no believe am. Person just wan spoil him name. Oga tell them say make them call to asked soldiers. We dey enjoy for here woo. Nothing like that,”said one soldier who spoke in pigin english.

Soldiers at the battalion attest that the CO’s commitment has tangibly improved morale. “Since his arrival, welfare has never been better. We receive our allowances in full, and the feeding support keeps us going during deployments,” said another soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Lt. Colonel Garba, leadership is measured not only in operational success but in the welfare and morale of his troops. His proactive stance demonstrates that even under challenging circumstances, committed leadership can bridge gaps in resources and ensure that soldiers’ rights are respected.

Welfare allegations against 90 amphibious battalion Commanding Officer proven inaccurate

NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil, detains ship, 20 Filipino crew members

By: Michael Mike

Barely six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3 million for bringing 32.9 kilogrammes cocaine into Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have again intercepted another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilogrammes of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the illicit drug consignment was discovered on board the vessel last Sunday by NDLEA officers who thereafter took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus and 19 other crew members who are all Filipinos into custody for investigation.

Babafemi said following the seizure and arrest of the crew members, the NDLEA filed an application for an order of court for the detention of the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation.

He disclosed that the motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who on Thursday granted the application for an initial 14 days detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.

Babafemi said preliminary investigation revealed that this was the first time the vessel was coming to Nigeria and Africa as it’s been largely transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil while Captain Corpus has been barely three months with the ship.

He recalled that the agency had in a similar circumstance arrested 10 sailors who are nationals of Thailand on 13th October 2021 on board a vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. Nine Nigerian suspects were also arrested along with the Thai crew members.

He said the 10 Thai sailors and the vessel were eventually convicted on Thursday 15th May 2025 by a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor who also fined them $4.3 million.

In his reaction to the latest significant seizure of 20 kilogrammes cocaine on board MV Nord Bosporus, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism.

​Marwa said the cocaine seizure is not just an operational success but “a clear demonstration of our heightened capacity and unwavering resolve”, adding that “we will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit.”

According to him, “Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold. The NDLEA is operating with zero-tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail. Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities.”

He reminded any Nigerian who chooses to collaborate with foreign syndicates in the illicit drug trade of the consequences their action.

He said: “You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future. The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting. We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration.”

NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil, detains ship, 20 Filipino crew members

NHRC Announces Programmes for 16 Days of Activism on GBV

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced its plans for the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The activities which commences on Monday, showed a sweeping nationwide plan and a renewed call for stronger protections for women and girls, as the Commission also marks its 30th anniversary.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said the anniversary provided an important moment to reflect on three decades of work advancing justice, dignity, and equality in Nigeria — while acknowledging that gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the gravest human rights violations confronting the country.

He said: “For 30 years, the Commission has remained a steadfast voice for accountability and human rights. This year’s campaign gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on our journey but to intensify the fight against all forms of violence, especially against women and girls.”

The 16 Days of Activism — observed annually from November 25 to December 10 — is part of a global movement launched in 1991 by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It links the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with Human Rights Day, symbolizing that violence against women is a direct violation of human rights.

Ojukwu noted that Nigeria remains committed to this global call.

He said: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable in every form. These 16 days remind us that survivors must be heard, supported, and protected.”

This year’s programme, one of the NHRC’s most extensive yet, includes coordinated activities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Ojukwu, the activities are designed to strengthen prevention, improve accountability, and reinforce protection structures nationwide.

Marking its 30-year milestone, the NHRC urged the National Assembly to pass legislation creating special constituencies for women — a long-standing proposal aimed at improving female representation in public office.

“Denying affirmative action is itself a form of violence against women,” the Commission emphasized. “Empowerment must include political participation.”

The Commission also highlighted multiple empowerment programmes conducted in partnership with local and international organisations. These include:Support for over 60 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence under the EU/UNDP Spotlight Initiative; Financial grants for vulnerable women in collaboration with the Taipei Trade Office; Economic empowerment for more than 100 indigent women through the Thelma Lion Foundation; Distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines, and hair dryers to over 300 women through partnerships with National Assembly members; Ongoing collaboration with the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation to support SGBV survivors.

Ojukwu said: “These interventions are meant to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of women and reduce vulnerabilities.”

He reassured Nigerians that the commission will continue to carry out its mandate with fairness and impartiality.

He said: “We will not allow gender-based violence or any human rights violation to go unaddressed. Every complaint matters, and every perpetrator must be held accountable.”

As the 16-day campaign begins, Ojukwu called on government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, the private sector, and individuals to join in the fight to end violence against women.

“Awareness is not enough,”Ojukwu said. “We must turn commitments into action and build a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear, discrimination, and harmful practices.”

NHRC Announces Programmes for 16 Days of Activism on GBV