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Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander

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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

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

By: Michael Mike

Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.

The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.

Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.

The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.

Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.

On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.

To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.

The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.

West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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