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Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders
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
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
News
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have congratulated the Board, Management, and staff of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and Nigerian Exchange Limited on the historic achievement of the Nigerian capital market crossing the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark.
The commendation was issued via a press statement on Friday, jointly signed by Mr Samuel Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria and Mr Oluropo Dada, the 13th President/Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
They described the NGX’s achievement as a remarkable milestone and a major affirmation of the resilience, depth, and growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market, and a clear signal of renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“Crossing the N100 trillion threshold is not only a symbolic landmark; it reflects the capacity of Nigeria’s capital market to mobilise long-term funds for infrastructure, enterprise development, and economic transformation.
“It underscores the vital role of the market in financing growth, creating wealth for investors, and supporting national development objectives,” the said.
According to them, the achievement will not have been possible without the visionary leadership and strategic direction of the NGX Board, as well as the professionalism and dedication of its Management and staff, led by versatile stockbrokers: Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Mr. Temi Popoola; and Mr. Jude Chiemeka and Mr. Femi Sobanjo.
“We also commend the unwavering commitment and versatility of dealing member firms and stockbrokers who continue to serve as the backbone of the market, ensuring liquidity, transparency, and investor protection.
“Their collective efforts have strengthened market integrity, broadened participation, and improved the overall efficiency of the Exchange.”
The CIS and ASHON also commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing a supportive macroeconomic and regulatory environment that has encouraged domestic and foreign investment, promoted market reforms, and enhanced the attractiveness of Nigerian assets.
They stated that policy stability, ongoing reforms, and a clear commitment to private sector-led growth have played a crucial role in creating the conditions for this historic market expansion.
They further commended SEC for providing sound regulations and market development.
They stated that the CIS and ASHON would continue to advocate ethical governance in the capital market with all stakeholder playing by the rules of the game.
They further restated their commitment to sustaining the momentum through robust regulation provided by Securities and Exchange Commission, market innovation, and strong investor protection frameworks.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further deepen the market, broaden product offerings, and ensure that the Nigerian capital market continues to serve as a strong engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.
“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.
The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
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