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

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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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Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

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Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.

Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.

According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.

“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.

“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.

According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.

Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.

He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.

Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.

The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.

Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.

At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast. 

Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.

By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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