News
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ilyasu Mani has said that hard drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality in Borno state.
Mani who was represented by Assistant Commander of Narcotics drug remand reduction unit Abdullahi Sardauna posited that 70 percent of the criminality pervading communities in the State is due to hard drugs.
The Commander Abdullahi Sardauna noted that the craving for material things among young people “have killed our young ones and to maintain it they must involve in criminality.”
He put the blame for this malaise squarely on the head of some elders who he says do not ask how their sons and daughters get instant wealth.
The Commander noted that hard drugs do not have a religion or ethnicity but resides in any family that allows it which is why the young ones key into it.
He suggested that policy makers should ensure that all probable suitors should be made to go through drug tests before tying the nuptial nuts in the country as a matter of urgency.
“To stem the tide of drugs and improve on the morality of the young ones, we now have ndlea stations in higher institutions which is our contribution towards the creation of continuous drug preventive education for our children.
” We have also extended our community engagement through enlightenment and sensitization in the surrounding communities of all the higher institutions where our personnel exist.
“We believe that involvement of traditional and religious leaders in the war against drugs can go a long way in effecting a complete family.” said sardauna.
Participants drawn from critical segments of society provided ideas on change of attitude, restoration of core values and contemporary way of life.
The Borno State Government organized the maiden Zonal Town Hall meeting for Social Reorientation at the Conference Hall of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri on Monday this week to commence the reorientation of the minds of the people to open a new page as peace returns.
The event brought together critical stakeholders from the Borno Central Senatorial District to discuss ways and means of fast-tracking the Borno Restoration Project as the state edges towards peace.
The Town Hall meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and engagement among key stakeholders in Borno State, with the aim of promoting attitudinal change that will renew the pride in Borno’s values and restore the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of the State.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information & Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, thanked participants for keeping faith with the Borno State Government by being patient till the end of the one day prog.
The Governor reiterated the Borno State Government’s commitment towards working with all relevant stakeholders to revive the values, morals and dignity of the state, by reclaiming our position as a regional hub for development in the North East region..
Earlier, Prof Tar provided a background on the social reorientation pillar of the Borno State 25 Year Development Framework and 10 Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
In a keynote paper, the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mairo Mandara, reflected on the Borno changing dynamics of societal perception of itself in turbulent times, and how a new culture of peace and prosperity should emerge from the rubbles of extreme violence.
She noted that the Borno Restoration Project is aimed at building a vibrant and enterprising people who are committed to “Building Borno Back Better.” Dr Mandara noted that the building of peace, security and development in Borno requires a collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
In his lead paper, Dr Hassan Boguma (the Zannah Boguma of Borno), reflected on the importance of conscious cultural identity as the worth and values of individuals, underscoring the need for communities, especially the Youths, People Living with Disabilities, marginal and vulnerable segments of society to be carried along in governance, to take ownership of development programmes and embrace a collective culture of belonging, imbibe livelihood strategies, and contribute to economic development of Borno State.
The Panel Session themed “Rewriting the narratives through social reorientation” featured panelists cutting across religious and traditional institutions, youth and women representatives provided an open platform for discussion with the audience around issues of social reorientation in the state.
A rich discussion unearthed a lot of ideas and recommendations for the social reorientation program in Borno State.
Communique issued at the end of the program, called for change of attitude amongst Borno people, and a spirited return to age-hallowed virtues of discipline, respect, dignity, tolerance, industry, creativity and self sustenance.
The Communique called on Borno State Government to put in place the resources for not only infrastructural development, but also development of a social fabric that will reinforce the State Government’s drive toward building an agricultural and industrial base, and a self-sufficient and export-oriented economy in Borno State.
In attendance were dignitaries from the government, security agencies, the academia, media organisations CSOs, CBOs, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders.
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
