News

Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has declared all round war against drug barons, instructing all commanders of the agency at different level to go all out and smoke out those still in hiding.

He as well ordered for the dismantling of all drug cartels as part of ongoing efforts to totally cut off drug supply which he insisted would drastically reduced growing insecurity and criminalities in the country.

Marwa gave the charge in his meeting with directors and all commanding officers of the agency at the national headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja, where he commended them for the unprecedented successes achieved so far and tasked them not to rest on their oars.

He said no effort must be spared to remove illicit drug equation from the security challenges facing the country.

According to him, “Within the limit of our resources, we have been able to push boundaries. The statistics of our operations, empirical facts from the field, the general anti-illicit drug climate we have built and the rapport between us and our domestic and international partners, all speak volumes about how we are faring, especially against the backdrop of where we are coming from, of what the situation used to be a few years ago.
“Commendations apart, we also cannot afford not to tell ourselves the plain truth; we still have a long way to go. Hence commanders, officers and men of NDLEA can’t afford to rest on their oars.

“Yes, we have kept the flag of performance flying, but there’s still room for improvement. There is still much to do. And we cannot afford to be complacent now as we have committed to a lot of ongoing efforts to improve our operational capabilities. We are constantly engaging stakeholders within and outside the country to support and help optimise our capabilities. So, if anything, our performance should justify these ongoing efforts. We need to remind ourselves that to achieve our mandate, professionalism and discipline must be maintained at all times and in all our operations.

“We’re working with relevant authorities for improved funding so that we can comprehensively and holistically play our role as part and parcel of the solution to the security challenges facing the nation because if we are able to totally cut the access to and availability of drugs to the criminals, we would have effectively tampered with their nefarious activities and so we’re going to plead for enhanced funding to do more things in support of the fight against insecurity and I trust that the President will give us a listening ear because he’s interested in the progress of the NDLEA.

“This year, we want to raise the bar of our performance and this calls for commanders who are up to the task to be up and doing on the job. We must clean our streets and communities of illicit substances. We all are witnesses to the upsurge in the cases of kidnapping and such vices, this means NDLEA must remain upstanding. For those who have been watching and listening, recently, there is another demand by kidnappers and bandits aside money, which is drugs. In that sense, it means NDLEA is working because they don’t ask for it before, meaning that they’re no longer as available as they used to be and the prices of those available have gone beyond their reach.”

He charged the commanders to always ensure that the corporate integrity of the agency is always protected in all they do. He said: “Therefore, every command must shun any act capable of bringing into disrepute the hard-earned reputation of NDLEA. Where inappropriate actions occur, the management certainly will not overlook it. There will be penalties, just as there are rewards for good conduct, hard work and results. Now, the onus is on every commander to ensure the protection of our corporate integrity.”

While assuring that he remains committed to staff welfare including conducive work environment, allowances, remuneration and entitlements, and the basic welfare package, he asked the commanders to replicate such in their various commands.

He however warned that Commanders will have to justify their retention in Command positions with their performance.
“We have applied meritocracy to the rank and file; it is also fair to apply the same standard to the leadership. The implication for commanders is that your retention in command positions will henceforth be measured by your performance, which will be reviewed every quarter. In the new NDLEA, there is no room for laggards, and there are no excuses for laxity. Where there is a clear deficit of leadership, at zonal, state or area command, the agency will not hesitate to review and make a change of leadership, if necessary. This year, we want to raise the bar of our performance and that calls for having commanders who are up to the task.

“Our jobs are clearly defined: We must clean our streets and communities of illicit substances. Therefore, go and perform and let’s see greater results in the weeks ahead. And I assure you that at any time, you need backup, we are here to provide the necessary reinforcement. On this note, I want to implore commanders to let us keep our eyes on the ball. Let’s be prepared to work hard in 2024 and achieve unprecedented goals.”

Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders

News

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

Published

4 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has stated that he does not know who will succeed him after the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.

The governor reiterated that his administration was focused on strengthening security and providing needed development to the people.

He spoke on Sunday evening during a critical All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.

Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members, Zulum reiterated his stand for a fair, transparent and just process in the election of party officials during the forthcoming congresses.

He emphasised that the integrity of the process was paramount for the party’s unity and future success.

The governor strongly advocated a fresh set of individuals to occupy the various party positions.

He urged stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through a democratic process, thereby strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and inclusivity.

Governor Zulum also dismissed speculation about his influence on the party’s future ticket.

He firmly and publicly reaffirmed that he had not anointed any candidate for the upcoming party positions or for any elective position.

“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State.

The governor set up two committees to scale up the APC e-registration and reconciliation among party members.

The 10-man committee will be headed by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda and will include members drawn from the state’s 3 senatorial districts.

The meeting was attended by the acting governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the former governor of Borno State, Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba and three former deputy governors, including Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Dr Midala Balami, who announced his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), were in attendance.

The speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; the deputy speaker, Engr Abdullahi Askira and 25 other members also graced the occasion.

Others in attendance included former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio and senior government and party officials.

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

News

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

Published

4 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

By: Michael Mike

Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Türkiye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Monday paid an official visit to Ankara where he held high-level talks with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, Tuggar’s first official visit to Türkiye, focused on strengthening political, economic, security, and multilateral cooperation. Minister Fidan commended Nigeria’s constructive role in promoting regional stability, peace, and prosperity in West Africa, noting Nigeria’s leadership within regional and continental frameworks.

Tuggar placed strong emphasis on expanding bilateral trade and increasing mutual investment, particularly in sectors of interest to Turkish companies, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Both ministers acknowledged the steady growth in economic relations and underlined the need to unlock further potential through structured public–private engagement.

On security cooperation, the two sides highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration in military affairs and the defence industry.

The visit reflects the growing strategic character of Nigeria–Türkiye relations, anchored in shared positions on sovereignty, institutional cooperation, and pragmatic partnership, with both sides expressing confidence in the prospects for deeper engagement in the period ahead.

Alkasim Abdulkadir

SA Media and Communications to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Tuggar Meets Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara Ahead of Tinubu’s State Visit

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has held strategic discussions with Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara as part of preparations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s forthcoming state visit to the country.

The meeting, which marked Tuggar’s first official visit to Türkiye, focused on strengthening bilateral ties between both nations across political, economic, security and multilateral fronts. The talks underscored the growing importance of Nigeria–Türkiye relations and the shared commitment of both governments to expanding cooperation.

During the engagement, Fidan commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, particularly its efforts in promoting peace, stability and regional prosperity. He acknowledged Nigeria’s influence within regional and continental institutions and its constructive contributions to addressing common security and development challenges.

Tuggar, in his part, emphasized Nigeria’s interest in deepening economic collaboration with Türkiye, calling for increased trade volumes and stronger investment flows. He identified construction, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure as key sectors offering significant opportunities for Turkish investors. Both ministers noted the steady improvement in economic relations and stressed the need for enhanced public–private sector engagement to unlock further growth.

Security cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides expressing readiness to strengthen collaboration in military relations and defence industry partnerships.

The high-level talks highlight the increasingly strategic nature of Nigeria–Türkiye relations, built on mutual respect for sovereignty, institutional cooperation and practical partnership. Both countries expressed optimism about expanding engagement and delivering tangible outcomes in the period ahead.

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

News

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue

Published

9 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue

By: Michael Mike

Leaders and people of Ogoniland have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over alleged attempts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to undermine the ongoing Federal Government–Ogoni dialogue process aimed at resolving the decades-long Ogoni crisis.

The petition was submitted under the auspices of the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), formerly known as the Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, a group of concerned Ogoni stakeholders advocating peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by COOP’s Leader and Spokesman, Chief Gani Topba, the group expressed strong support for the dialogue and peace process being facilitated by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, describing it as the most credible effort so far to address the long-standing Ogoni question.

COOP alleged that Wike has been engaging in actions intended to frustrate the dialogue, tracing the dispute to unresolved issues from his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to the group, the controversy is linked to a long-standing compensation dispute between the Ejama Ebubu community in Ogoni and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) over environmental damage claims that were decided in favour of the community.

The group stated that the Rivers State Government became deeply involved in the matter during Wike’s administration, a development that has remained contentious and unresolved in public discourse.

COOP further alleged that during the recent visit of the NSA to Ogoniland, political associates of the FCT Minister were instructed to boycott and undermine the engagement. The group claimed that efforts were deliberately made to sabotage the dialogue at the community level.

Raising security concerns, COOP alleged that armed youths recruited from different parts of Rivers State are currently being mobilised and camped around the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, allegedly to destabilise the peace process.

The group also claimed that Wike is displeased with Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalaiyi Fubara, for cooperating with the NSA to ensure the success of the Ogoni dialogue. According to COOP, local government chairmen in Eleme, Tai, Gokana and Khana LGAs were allegedly directed to recruit armed youths to disrupt the dialogue and frustrate the proposed resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland.

COOP warned that if these alleged actions are not checked, they could pose serious threats to public peace and security in Rivers State and derail the fragile but promising dialogue process.

The group noted that the ongoing engagement has been widely welcomed by Ogoni people as a sincere and inclusive initiative aimed at achieving lasting peace, environmental remediation, economic reintegration of Ogoni communities, and the safe resumption of oil production in Oil Mining Lease (OML) II. They added that a successful outcome would significantly boost national revenue, foreign exchange earnings, energy security and employment.

COOP appealed to President Tinubu to intervene by calling on the FCT Minister to desist from actions capable of reigniting tension in Ogoniland. The group urged the President to protect the dialogue process and mandate relevant security and intelligence agencies to investigate the allegations.

They call on the President to ensure that no individual, regardless of position, undermines national interest for personal or sectional gain, expressing confidence that decisive intervention would help secure peace in Ogoniland and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, national unity and economic recovery.

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue