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In last 10 months, NDLEA Arrests 14,480, Seizes Over 2.4 million kg Illicit Drugs- Marwa

In last 10 months, NDLEA Arrests 14,480, Seizes Over 2.4 million kg Illicit Drugs- Marwa
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that 14,480 suspected drug traffickers were arrested between January and October 2024 in connection with the seizure of 2.4 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs seized by the anti-narcotics agency at seaports, airports, land borders and communities across the country.
Marwa gave these figures on Wednesday while briefing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs who were on oversight visit to the national headquarters of NDLEA in Abuja.
He said with the record of work done by the agency in the past 10 months, “we can say with certainty that we are on course to beat the performance of the previous three years.”
Marwa said: “Between January 1 and October 30, 2024, we recorded 14,480 arrest of drug offenders, including 15 drug barons. Within the same time, we have been able to secure 2,867 convictions in court. This is far more than what we have achieved in each of the past three years.
“Our seizures in 10 months amounted to 2.4 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs, which also surpassed last year’s record. We successfully located and destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations. Similarly, our drug demand reduction figure is on the positive side. In the past 10 months, the agency counselled and rehabilitated 6, 655 drug users. In the breath, we conducted a total of 3, 064 awareness campaigns and sensitisation lectures in schools, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, which reached 1,327,181 people.”
He gave special mention to the largest single heroin seizure of 51.9 kilogrammes in the history of the agency at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February; securing life imprisonment sentences for some notorious drug traffickers; arrest of most wanted drug barons in Lagos and the recent passage of the NDLEA Act amendment bill as some of the milestones of the agency in 2024.
The NDLEA boss while commending the lawmakers for their support in the outgoing year, however urged them to remain steadfast in their support so that the agency can achieve more.
He said: “In the past three years, we have harnessed and maximised the limited resources at our disposal to achieve impressive results. We can do more, and we are rearing to do more if given adequate resources. So, I will have to implore you not to relent or become weary of your oversight in ensuring that we are 100 percent mobilised in all our operations. We have come a long way, from an agency that was grossly emasculated due to a lack of resources to a government organ that is now up and doing.
“We are only a short distance away from attaining full strength to achieve all our set objectives that will make Nigeria safe from the scourge of illicit drugs. Pushing us to reach that watershed is very much in your power to do. While we thank you immensely for bringing us this far with your support, we look forward to more of that support that will put us on a pedestal where we will be sufficiently funded to work at our optimal best.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun commended the leadership and personnel of the anti-narcotics agency for their dedication to duty despite the often-challenging circumstances under which they operate.
He said: “As we conduct our oversight responsibilities, I assure you of our committee’s unwavering support in ensuring that the NDLEA remains adequately equipped to fulfil its mission. This includes advocating for improved funding, modern tools, and a conducive working environment for all staff.”
In last 10 months, NDLEA Arrests 14,480, Seizes Over 2.4 million kg Illicit Drugs- Marwa
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NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE

NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
By: Musa Yahaya
The Nigerian Army has bid a final farewell to the late Brigadier General Elias Fadda Zamani (Retired) on 15 March 2025, in his hometown of Zonkwa, Kaduna State. Late Brigadier General Zamani who was a member of the 14th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy passed away in Abuja on 27 February 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on 21 July 1952, in Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Brigadier General Zamani’s illustrious military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he was commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 13 December 1975. He rose through the ranks, holding various command, staff, instructional, and extra-regimental appointments, before he voluntarily retired on 31 May 2006, after over three decades of distinguished service in the Nigerian Army.
At the funeral ceremony, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, described Brigadier General Zamani as a highly trained and disciplined professional soldier. He highlighted the late general’s exceptional leadership traits, professionalism, and commitment to duty, earned or exhibited during his attendance of various military courses in Nigeria and abroad.

The COAS further eulogized the late senior officer, describing him as a silent worker, a brilliant, resourceful, and self-assured senior officer with impeccable integrity. He added that Brigadier General Zamani was a transformational leader and a true patriot, whose contributions to the Nigerian Army left lasting marks of excellence. His dedication to the welfare of his troops and the harmonious and cordial relationship with his colleagues were widely recognized, respected, and commended.

The solemn military ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Her Excellency, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, wife of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, senior military officers, coursemates of the deceased senior officer, family members, and friends, all gathered to pay their last respect to a man who dedicated his life to serving the nation.
NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
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Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
By: Michael Mike
Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is in the country to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties with Nigeria in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
A statement on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Kimiebi Ebienfa read that: “Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes His Excellency, Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, on his official visit to Nigeria. This visit underscores the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, which have been nurtured over many decades of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.
“The sterling role played by both countries in the abolition of apartheid and in support of liberation movements as well as the actualization of independence for many African nations is the rallying point for the relations.”
According to the statement, the visiting Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Monday to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations will also deliberate on enhancing collaboration within multilateral frameworks to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
Part of the schedule lined up for the visiting Cuban Foreign Minister is the meeting with
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver a special message from the Government of Cuba. He is also expected to engage in high-level discussions with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Nigeria and Cuba are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 plus China. Both countries share similar positions on numerous global issues, particularly on the advancement of global peace and security, new international order and sustainable development.
The statement said the visit of the Cuban Foreign Minister is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Nigeria-Cuba relations and to foster greater South-South cooperation, noting that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Cuba to advance shared interests and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in our regions and beyond.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
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THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
By: George Okupe
The Nigerian Army paid its final respects to the Late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honours on Friday 14 March 2025, in her hometown, Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede mni NAM, represented by the Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Brigadier General Philip Ebuk, described her as a dedicated officer whose service was marked by professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.

Born on 9 July 1987 in Shogunle, the Late Captain Ayuba hailed from Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State. She completed her education at Police Children School, Ikeja and Toamy Private College Egbe, before earning a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 3 July 2017 as a member of Direct Short Service Course 23.
Throughout her career, Late Capt Ayuba served in key roles, she was Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and Staff Officer of Grade 3 Information and Publication at 81 Division Army Public Relations. She was also known for her leadership, discipline and dedication, earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors.

A highly trained officer, she completed several courses, namely the Young Officers’ Course (Public Relations), Media Operations Officers’ Course and Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course, excelling in all. She was widely admired for her intelligence, teamwork and mentorship, particularly among female soldiers. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the General Operations Medal. Until her passing, she remained a pillar of excellence in military public relations, known for her composure, eloquence and professionalism.

Describing her as a vibrant officer with exceptional capabilities, the COAS noted that she would be deeply missed by her family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation. As a final mark of respect, the military rendered a 21-gun salute and her Next of Kin was presented with the National Flag along with her military accoutrements.
THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
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