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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
Women’s Inclusion Key to Lasting Peace, Inclusive Governance — WANEP, GNWP
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s peace and governance sector have renewed calls for the full inclusion of women in political and peacebuilding processes, describing it as indispensable to achieving sustainable peace and national stability.
The call was made by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria and the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) at a two-day town hall meeting held in Abuja under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) frameworks.
The meeting, themed “Strengthening Local Leadership in WPS and YPS in Nigeria,” was organised by WANEP Nigeria with support from Global Affairs Canada.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of WANEP Nigeria Board, Kolawole Olatosimi, said the initiative is aimed at generating practical and community-driven solutions to deepen women’s leadership in governance and peacebuilding.
He noted that at a time when several communities are grappling with insecurity, there is a need for collective reflection and solidarity, while extending condolences to victims of recent attacks. According to him, evidence from peacebuilding efforts globally shows that durable peace is more achievable when women are actively involved in decision-making and conflict resolution.
Also speaking, National Network Coordinator of WANEP Nigeria, Bridget Osakwe, said the organisation continues to drive programmes across West Africa that promote nonviolence, democratic governance, and inclusive participation.
She explained that the WPS agenda is not limited to conflict zones but also addresses structural inequalities in everyday governance, which often worsen during crises. Osakwe emphasised that increasing women’s representation in politics remains critical to addressing election-related violence and entrenched barriers that limit their participation.
Highlighting strategies to overcome these challenges, she pointed to mentorship, dialogue, and peer learning among women leaders as essential tools for navigating political systems and strengthening collective influence. She also challenged prevailing stereotypes that frame women as lacking support systems, noting that political competition cuts across gender lines.
Representing GNWP, Ruth Abunaw Bison, drew attention to the realities faced by women leaders, particularly in conflict-affected communities, where insecurity, harassment, and institutional constraints continue to undermine their contributions.
She stressed that investing in women’s political leadership should be seen as a strategic pathway to peace and development, not merely a gender issue. According to her, the forum is designed to amplify women’s voices, strengthen advocacy efforts, and produce actionable recommendations that will advance both the WPS and YPS agendas in Nigeria.
Participants at the town hall expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners would help dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive governance framework.
They agreed that empowering women at the grassroots level and integrating their perspectives into policy and decision-making processes would not only reduce conflict but also strengthen democratic institutions and promote long-term national cohesion.
Women’s Inclusion Key to Lasting Peace, Inclusive Governance — WANEP, GNWP
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.
According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Zagazola noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and a busy flyover suggests an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations, where he commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The command also commended the resilience and cooperation of residents, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
Women’s Inclusion Key to Lasting Peace, Inclusive Governance — WANEP, GNWP
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
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