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

Oasis Magazine Apologizes To Hon Ebizi Ndiomu, Retracts Publication

Published

2 minutes ago

March 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Oasis Magazine Apologizes To Hon Ebizi Ndiomu, Retracts Publication

By John Tega

The management of Oasis Magazine has apologized to Mrs. Ebizi Brown Ndiomu, the lawmaker representing Sagbama Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following a publication on its online platform, oasismagazine.com.ng on February 20, 2026, with headline: ‘Adulterous Conduct Modeling Around Loikpobiri over Deputy Office.

In a statement signed by the publisher, Daniel Dafe Umukoro, said his attention was drawn to the publication recently, adding that the story sent in by one Diepreye Bagou (07034287403) from Bayelsa does not reflect the standard of the media house.

He added: “We have done a thorough check on the lawmaker and found out that the report crossed the red line.”

He continued: “Mrs. Brown is a respected lawmaker and the allegations made against her are untrue and hereby retracted.”

He said further: “The management apologises profusely to the lawmaker for any embarrassment the publication may have caused her and those close to her.”

Adding: “Oasis Magazine is not known for blackmail or propaganda and this report is hereby trashed and considered done in error.”

Umukoro hinted that going forward; the media house will upgrade mechanisms to avoid such pitfalls.

Oasis Magazine Apologizes To Hon Ebizi Ndiomu, Retracts Publication

News

Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN

By: Michael Mike

The acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, has called for urgent action to reduce the financial, social and institutional barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice in Nigeria.

Attafuah made the call in Abuja on Friday during the launch of “The Cost of Justice: Women’s Voice of Resilience in Nigeria,” an anthology documenting the experiences of women who have navigated the country’s justice system in pursuit of accountability.

The event, held at the United Nations House in Abuja, was organised by the South Saharan Social Development Organisation in collaboration with UN Women and Ford Foundation as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

Speaking at the gathering, Attafuah said the anthology serves as a powerful reminder that behind policy debates on justice are real human stories of struggle, resilience and courage.

She noted that many survivors of violence face significant financial burdens when seeking justice, including the cost of transportation, medical reports, legal representation and repeated court appearances.

According to her, these expenses can make the pursuit of justice extremely difficult for many women already facing economic hardship.

She also highlighted the lengthy and complex legal processes survivors must navigate, noting that court proceedings often take months or even years to conclude. During such periods, victims may face pressure from families or communities to withdraw their cases or reconcile with perpetrators.

Attafuah further pointed to the social cost of seeking justice, explaining that survivors frequently encounter stigma, victim-blaming and pressure to remain silent.

She stressed that access to justice is a critical component of global development efforts, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal 16 and Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focus on building inclusive institutions and ending violence against women and girls.

The UN coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations system in Nigeria to work with government institutions, civil society groups and development partners to strengthen legal frameworks, expand survivor support services and promote social norms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls.

Also speaking at the event, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said the anthology highlights the persistent challenges women face in accessing justice, particularly survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

She noted that despite progress in legal reforms and awareness campaigns, many women continue to face financial constraints, stigma and limited access to legal support.

Eyong said the publication documents the experiences and resilience of women who have sought justice, emphasising that justice is not only about laws and institutions but also about protecting dignity and ensuring survivors can seek accountability without fear or hardship.

She commended the organisers and partners supporting the initiative, including the Ford Foundation, for advancing efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening protection for women and girls.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Chief State Counsel at the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Habiba Ajanah-Hamza, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to justice for survivors.

She said the ministry remains focused on strengthening coordination among institutions involved in addressing gender-based violence, supporting effective investigation and prosecution of cases, and ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and sensitivity throughout the legal process.

According to her, achieving meaningful access to justice requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, the legal community and the media.

Ajanah-Hamza added that initiatives such as the anthology contribute to raising public awareness and strengthening advocacy for reforms that make justice systems more accessible and responsive to the needs of women and girls.

The anthology launch also featured discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions and partnerships that can help reduce the cost of justice and improve survivor-centred responses across Nigeria.

Participants at the event stressed that the voices documented in the publication should serve as a call to action for stakeholders to work collectively toward building a justice system that ensures protection, accountability and dignity for every woman and girl.

Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN

News

Zulum Moves to Fix Rural Health Gap in Borno, Approves 473 Medical Workers and 100% Allowance for Doctors

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum Moves to Fix Rural Health Gap in Borno, Approves 473 Medical Workers and 100% Allowance for Doctors

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has approved the recruitment of 473 medical personnel and introduced a 100 per cent rural posting allowance for doctors in a major push to strengthen healthcare services in underserved communities across Borno State.

The dual intervention is aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled health workers in rural areas and improving access to quality medical care for residents outside the state capital.

The Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Abubakar Kullima, disclosed the development on Thursday in Maiduguri, noting that the governor had approved the immediate employment of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and community health extension workers.

Kullima explained that the recruitment also includes specialised health personnel and support staff such as perioperative care nurses and primary eye care workers who will be deployed to newly established and existing health facilities across the state.

According to him, the new workforce will be distributed across general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the three senatorial zones to strengthen service delivery at both secondary and grassroots levels.

He said the move is part of broader reforms by the Zulum administration to rebuild and expand healthcare services in the state following years of conflict that strained public health infrastructure.

Beyond recruitment, the governor has also directed the immediate implementation of a 100 per cent rural allowance for doctors and a 40 per cent allowance for nurses serving in remote communities.

The incentive, approved through a memo to the hospital management board, is designed to attract qualified medical professionals to rural postings where harsh working conditions and limited facilities often discourage deployment.

With the new policy, doctors who accept rural postings will have their remuneration significantly increased, a step officials say is necessary to address the persistent shortage of medical personnel outside major towns.

Health sector observers say the initiative could significantly boost the availability of healthcare workers in rural communities where residents often travel long distances to access medical services.

The recruitment and incentive scheme form part of a series of healthcare reforms undertaken by Governor Zulum, including the approval of special training funds for resident doctors and the commissioning of specialised health facilities such as eye and dental hospitals.

Officials say the latest measures are expected to improve staffing levels in public hospitals, strengthen service delivery and expand access to essential healthcare across communities in Borno.

Zulum Moves to Fix Rural Health Gap in Borno, Approves 473 Medical Workers and 100% Allowance for Doctors