News
Marwa: 15 drug kingpins out of 3,412 offenders convicted in 2023 bagged 168 years in jail
Marwa: 15 drug kingpins out of 3,412 offenders convicted in 2023 bagged 168 years in jail
Rewards 104 personnel, 13 Commands for outstanding performances
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that a total of 15 drug kingpins out of 3,412 offenders that were successfully prosecuted and convicted in 2023 bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively.
Marwa disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing commanders, officers and men of the agency during an awards and commendations ceremony.
A total of 104 personnel and 13 commands were recognized and rewarded for their outstanding performances in the 2nd half of 2023
Marwa said: “Indeed, our performance as individuals and as a collective could always be better; nonetheless, we must appreciate every effort made to help sustain the momentum of our upward trajectory since January 2021, when we launched the renewed fight against illicit substance trafficking.”
Ho noted that: “According to our statistics, we recorded 13, 664 arrests leading to the seizure of 1, 606, 799.09 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and 3,412 convictions with a total of 5, 570 offenders charged to court in 2023. It’s indeed a year that at least 15 drug kingpins bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively. That is a substantial improvement over our performance in 2022. Notably, in 2023, we also ramped up our enforcement action against cannabis farms and carried out at least seven successful major operations, leading to the discovery and destruction of over 206 hectares of cannabis plantations.”
The NDLEA boss also explained that to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse aimed at prevention and encourage those already in it to seek treatment, the Agency intensified its war against drug abuse (WADA) advocacy initiative nationwide.
“The frequency and intensity of our advocacy throughout the year improved considerably. Zonal and state commands have been very dedicated to propagating WADA advocacy. As a result, a total of 2,725 sensitisation lectures and programmes were held in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others. A breakdown of the WADA lectures held in 2023 shows: 807 in Primary/Secondary Schools; 146 in Tertiary Institutions; 488 for out of school children; 264 in worship centres; 140 in military/paramilitary organisations; 90 in other work places, among others. Just as well, our commands and formations have coped with the increased workload of counselling activities leading to the counselling and rehabilitation of 10, 904 drug users.”
He said those who have been in the agency longer than 2021 can attest to the fact that the past three years have brought different dynamics to the operations and performance of the agency, a development that has attracted commendations from home and abroad.
He added that: “This is further reinforced by the content of a letter two weeks ago from the National Assembly conveying the decision of the national parliament to ‘commend the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking.’
He said this recognition by both Chambers of the National Assembly should serve as a further morale booster and “a reminder that your efforts are not going unnoticed.”
“I must also say that the NDLEA management has no misgivings about instituting the Commands Awards and Commendations. This twice-a-year event, though a reward system, serves as an inward-looking glass for critical self-analysis and therefore a mechanism that puts the agency on its toes. Each time we gather here to honour exemplary officers and commands, we are making a loud statement that we value meritocracy and that hard work is a virtue we hold in high esteem. We are trying to normalise good performance”, he added.
He however assured that he will not relent in his effort to improve the welfare of the NDLEA workforce, stating that: “All the issues we are working on will soon come to fruition in a matter of time. For instance, we fought hard to have an amended NDLEA Act last year. Today, the bill is at the 10th National Assembly receiving due attention, and we are optimistic that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am also pleased to inform you that our barracks projects have recorded progress. Before the middle of the year, some of our barracks will be ready for commissioning.
These few examples of the efforts going on behind the scenes are evidence that we are working in your best interest.”
Marwa warned that the agency will be firm on disciplinary issues. “We don’t take infractions lightly. Every officer of NDLEA is expected to work within the ambit of our core values and strictly adhere to our standard operating procedure. We expect our officers to be the epitome of service, selflessness and sacrifice.”
He expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the success of the agency. He said: “As an institution, we thank the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, for being helpful partners on this journey. We appreciate the support of our other international partners from the US, UK, France, Germany, and India among others.
“We also appreciate sister agencies and security organisations, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Customs, Immigration, Police, DSS, NSCDC, NAFDAC, NYSC and FRSC, for the synergy that makes our job easy. Our profound gratitude also goes to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Importantly, we thank His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and immense support to NDLEA.”
Marwa: 15 drug kingpins out of 3,412 offenders convicted in 2023 bagged 168 years in jail
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the demise of the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia as a great loss to the nation.
A statement on Tuesday by the acting spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received with shock and profound sadness, news of the passing of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia. The former Minister according to his family died on Monday 10th March 2025, aged 73 years following a brief illness.
“Chief Dubem Onyia, the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage. His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.
“The late Chief Onyia, hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, had a distinguished career in politics and public service. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, he resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2003.
“The departed former Minister was a seasoned diplomat and politician and held strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international acclaims. More so, Chief Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, contributing to national development initiatives.
“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late former Minister of State and prays to God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING
By: Mohammad Sani
It is evident to all Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the 36 state governors and members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies, has been elected to provide good governance and leadership for a term of four years. Following this period, all Nigerians will partake in elections to either select new leaders or retain the incumbents.
The Association of Good Governance in Nigeria observes with great concern the detrimental impact of political disputes and Machiavellian strategies on critical governance issues, particularly within the first two years of this administration. Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and various socio-economic issues. Addressing these challenges necessitates good governance and innovative solutions.
We are concerned about the recent developments in Rivers State following the Supreme Court’s verdict, as well as the altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Additionally, there is the worrying issue of the kidnapping of Retired Brigadier Mahrazu Tsiga and Professor Abubakar el-Jumma from the Nigerian Army University, Biu. This is not the time to focus on who is leaving or joining the ruling APC; instead, we should prioritize providing good governance.
The country is in urgent need of governance defined by accountability, efficiency, inclusivity, and equity, rather than political maneuvering. We earnestly urge the President and all elected officials to prioritize the delivery of good governance and to defer political activities until the appropriate moment arises.
FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING
Biu: Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School
.. Orders construction of 5 general hospitals
.. ‘Borno first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones’
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday inaugurated the state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals as well as a mega secondary school in Biu Local Government Area in the southern part of the state.
The newly inaugurated 40-bed capacity eye jospital, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, is to address the growing need for ophthalmological care in the southern region of Borno.
The governor has also approved the appointment of a team of highly trained medical doctors and specialists who will offer treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and other vision-related ailments.
Similarly, the 30-bed capacity dental hospital will provide comprehensive oral health services, including preventive care, orthodontics and restorative treatments, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for dental care.
Zulum, during the inauguration ceremony, emphasised his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Borno’s citizens.
He said, “Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of the Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. Reflecting on this commitment, we allocated 15% of the state’s budget to health sector in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year in line with the Abuja declaration recommendation for healthcare financing to prioritize health and well-being of our people.”
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Professor Abubakar Ali Kullima, said the two centres are not only for patients’ service but also for the training of healthcare professionals.
The CMD also stated that immediately after the inauguration, the hospital would be opened for free ophthalmic operation for citizens in the southern Borno catchment zone.
The governor also commissioned mega secondary school at Miringa, 10 km from Biu town. The school is designed to accommodate over 1,300 students.
The school consists of 60 classrooms, an ICT centre and four laboratories among other facilities that enhance teaching and learning activities.
Governor Zulum also distributed text and exercise books, uniforms, school sandals and a bicycle for each of the enrolled students to ease movement from the nearby villages.
.. Orders construction of 5 general hospitals
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has approved funds for the construction of new general hospitals in five local government areas of Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa and Dikwa.
He announced the approval on Tuesday at the commissioning ceremony for two hospitals in Biu town.
He said, “to enhance health infrastructure, the Borno State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of modern General Hospitals in Uba, Gubio, Magumeri, Mafa and Dikwa.”
The governor expressed commitment to addressing the manpower needs in the healthcare centres in order to provide optimal service to the people of Borno.
He said: “We recognize that the development of a resilient healthcare system necessitates more than just physical infrastructure. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals is equally crucial.
“To address this shortage of manpower, we are launching a multidimensional initiative, incorporating a range of measures to attract, train, retain, develop skilled healthcare professionals and talents and collaboration with educational institutions among others.”
.. ‘Borno first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones’
The Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, stated that Borno is the first state in Nigeria to construct eye and dental hospitals in each of its senatorial zones.
According to him, the facilities have specialists who have the capacity to handle advanced ophthalmological and dental health cases and cater for patients beyond Biu and its environs.
Biu: Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
VP Shettima Attributes Nigeria’s New Growth Trajectory To President Tinubu’s Bold Leadership, Policies
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News12 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News1 year agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
