Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has declared that the forthcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030 will mark decisive new phase in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, addiction, and related criminal networks.

Speaking on Thursday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, Marwa while receiving the final summative evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan, described the review as both a scorecard of progress and a compass for future reforms.

He said the next five-year framework is being designed to consolidate operational gains recorded in recent years while closing critical gaps, particularly in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

“With the depth of preparation and the seriousness attached to the 2026–2030 Master Plan, its execution will significantly strengthen our ongoing drug control efforts,” Marwa said. “When fully implemented, it will deliver measurable improvements in public health outcomes and reinforce national security.”

According to him, Nigeria’s drug challenge remains intertwined with organised crime, insurgency financing, and youth vulnerability, making a comprehensive and coordinated response imperative.

He stressed that the new master plan will further integrate supply reduction strategies—such as seizures, arrests, and dismantling of trafficking syndicates—with demand reduction efforts, including education, counselling, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.

Marwa commended the evaluation team led by Prof. Ibrahim Wakama of the University of Maiduguri for what he described as a rigorous and objective assessment of the 2021–2025 plan.

“I must commend your diligence and professionalism,” he said. “Your recognition of the successes achieved under both the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars is well appreciated. It is important that we build on these gains as we move into the next cycle.”

The NDLEA chief expressed confidence that under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency would achieve even greater milestones in safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

Earlier, Prof. Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership, noting that the agency had exceeded many of the targets set in the 2021–2025 framework. He said the evaluation revealed substantial progress in operational efficiency, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness campaigns.

While acknowledging areas that require strengthening—particularly in drug demand reduction—Wakawa voiced optimism that the NDLEA would address identified gaps through improved policy alignment, resource deployment, and stakeholder collaboration under the new master plan.

He was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ibiba Odili, both retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics and former heads of the NDCMP secretariat, who contributed to the evaluation process.

The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as Nigeria’s central policy blueprint for combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. It aligns law enforcement operations with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and multi-sectoral engagement—an approach authorities say is essential to confronting a drug crisis that threatens both public health and national stability.

With preparations for the 2026–2030 plan nearing completion, stakeholders say its implementation could define the next chapter of Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, combining tougher enforcement with a more expansive public health response.

Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response

Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have ambushed members of a vigilante group on routine patrol along the Warave–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one member.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the gunmen opened fire on members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters conducting patrol in the area.

A member of the CJTF in Warave, Bello Adamu, 50, sustained fatal injuries during the ambush. He was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where he was certified dead on arrival. His remains were later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to the scene following the incident, while monitoring and patrols have been intensified along the axis to prevent further attacks.

Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed

Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised Four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during an offensive operation in Shehuri area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola that the operation, conducted at about 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 25 under Operation Desert Sanity IV, led to the interception and engagement of the terrorists.

Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area, during which four insurgents were neutralised.

Items recovered from the scene included AKSM automatic rifle and pump-action rifle with cartridges and magazines.

Sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as clearance operations continue across parts of the state.

Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno