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Marwa Asks Communities To Take Charge Of Drug War

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Marwa Asks Communities To Take Charge Of Drug War

Marwa Asks Communities To Take Charge Of Drug War

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that a special task force is currently working across the country to track and dismantle drug cartels behind the production and distribution of methamphetamine, popularly called Mkpuru Mmiri, being abused by youths in parts of the country.

Marwa disclosed this while answering questions from journalists at a press briefing at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Monday to mark his first year anniversary as the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA. 

The drug czar challenged communities across Nigeria to take ownership of the war against drug abuse as those in South East states are presently doing by standing up to those engaging in abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.

He said: “If you look at the preponderance of the dealers in drugs, I’m not saying anything new but the South East has the predominance and that’s a fact. Who are the Boko Haram people? I know they are not Yoruba and I know they are not people from Edo, but if you go to the North West and ask who are the bandits, I know they are not from Cross River or from Lagos. If you ask the people doing the human trafficking, the women, you know from where. So definitely, we have the preponderance of the drug dealers from the South East, but what more do you have; the greatest efforts by communities to rid the country and their communities of drug use is from the South East. Clearly, in the same South East, they are doing two things; first, they are telling their fellow travelers who are not decent, that look ‘you are the very few who are spoiling our names here. Stop it!

“And more importantly, they are riding their communities of drug abuse, they have taken the ownership of the war themselves against drug abuse especially the Mkpuru-Mmiri. By the way, we have set up a special task force to face that challenge and very soon you would hear and see the results of our efforts.

“In essence, what I am saying is that, I am now taking the South East as an example, for all the other communities in Nigeria. This war has to start from the bottom, from the communities; set up your War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, Committees.  In every community, you are the ones who know those patent medicine stores that sell drugs, the mai shayi, those at the corner ends of the streets who sell and hawk drugs, you know the traffickers and you know those who use them. Take this war to your communities because you know these people, cleanse your communities, and take the ownership of this war and the NDLEA will always be there to back you up.”

He added that: “However, the NDLEA does not and will not support the flogging of the culprits and some of the other human rights abuses. We will be there to support with counseling and treatments. And I urge the entire country to take an example of the ownership of the war against drug abuse from the South East.”

The NDLEA Boss attributed the successes recorded in the drug war in the past year to God, support of President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly, Minister of Justice and other stakeholders including international partners such as UNODC, EU, and foreign governments as well as local CSOs and NGOs. 

Also Read: UNICEF commends Nigerian Govt. over increase in educational…

He listed the arrest of 12,306 suspects, including seven drug barons; conviction of 1,400 offenders; seizure of over 3.4 million kilograms of assorted drugs; drugs and cash worth over N130 billion and the counselling and rehabilitation of 7,761 drug users as some of the achievements recorded in 2021 in the area of operation.

Marwa also promised to build on the foundation laid in 2021, insisting that NDLEA under his leadership now has a clear roadmap to the future.  

He said: “The agency has come a long way. And there is still a long way to go. We have a clear vision of where we are headed, and there is a roadmap to that destination. Today, the improvement in our fortune as an organisation is driving the NDLEA workforce to continue to push for the attainment of organisational goals and fulfillment of our core mandate of securing our country against the drug scourge. We all believe in the vision of the new NDLEA and we are committed to its mission. Our mandate is to ensure a drug-free Nigeria. We shall continue to play our role towards the achievement of that goal.”

On his future plans, he said: “After one year of restructuring and rejuvenation, the NDLEA is now an organisation of bolstered workforce with 15 Directorates and 115 formations across 14 Zonal Commands, 36 States Commands (including FCT Commands) and 10 Special Area Commands.

“In 2022, we are going to build on the foundation laid in 2021. That building process includes: Continued recruitment and training of new officers. We are set to increase our staff strength in the new year. Intensification of WADA campaign

Amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is awaiting second reading in the National Assembly. Procurement of arms and other operational equipment.”

Marwa Asks Communities To Take Charge Of Drug War

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Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

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Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria-Germany trade volume has hit an all-time high of €3 billion, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther said on Thursday

The envoy who addressed a press conference in Abuja said the 30% increase could be attributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Gunther who called the press conference ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, in German, noted that Nigeria remains “Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion Euros,” adding that: “Trade volumes have increased this year by 30% due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.”

The envoy equally revealed that more than 90 German companies are active in the country, “indirectly creating about 17.000 jobs in Nigeria.”

Gunther also told journalists that good times between both countries were not over, promising Nigerians that more investments are on the way, especially in the energy and the pharmaceutical sectors.

She revealed that in the energy sector, the Presidential Power initiative is now in the second phase.

She said: “This cooperation with the German energy giant Siemens will add about 7 Gigawatts to Nigeria’s Energy Grid. Secondly, the German –Nigerian cooperation in the Gas sector, eliminating gas flaring and improving Nigeria´s CO2 footprint.”

The envoy revealed that the relationship has also improved in the area of Visa and Migration as no fewer than 7,600 visas were issued to both students and short term stay, adding that plans were already in place to increase the number.

Gunther said: “All the common goals and projects would not work if they were not supported by travels on all levels between our two countries, plus legal migration. Last year alone, the German Embassy here in Abuja and the German Consulate General in Lagos granted around 1400 long-term visas for purposes such as study in Germany, family reunion and employment as well as around 6200 visas for short-term stays such as business and tourism.

She revealed that: “This year, we are well on track to raise those numbers,” stating that:
“The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications.”

She also assured that in the area of military cooperation, Germany will continue to stand by Nigeria.

She said: “This year marked a new chapter: the launch of our first Bilateral Annual Programme, bringing military experts from both countries together for in-depth exchanges and joint planning.

“Through the Bundeswehr Advisory Group, Germany has been a reliable partner — supporting Nigeria with field medical expertise and counter-IED operations, car mechanical training and other interventions.

“And we’re not stopping here. Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

“Next month, we’ll take this cooperation to the next level: for the first time, high-level military staff talks will take place in Abuja, opening the door to even closer collaboration in the future.”

She also revealed other areas of cooperation which includes support for the Nigeria police force and the drug enforcement agency amongst others.

In the area of stabilization efforts at containing impacts of terrorism and climate change, the envoy said: “Germany is supporting the development of resilient state institutions and the strengthening of local communities.”

She said focus are on the North East (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) and the North West (Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina), “where initiatives such as the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, housing, and police stations are improving both security and daily life for local people.”

Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

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NEC Endorses President Tinubu’s Proposal To Revamp Training Institutions For Security Agencies Nationwide

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NEC Endorses President Tinubu’s Proposal To Revamp Training Institutions For Security Agencies Nationwide

*Constitute committee to oversee overhaul of training facilities

*Okays anticipatory action framework to prevent riverine flooding across 36 states

*As VP Shettima urges states to align with President’s growth targets

By: Our Reporter

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal for the overhaul and revamp of training institutions for security agencies nationwide.
The President’s proposal followed a presentation made to Council by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on the realisation of President Tinubu’s vision for a trillion-dollar economy, which also highlighted the necessity of investing more in security by the three tiers of government.

At its 152nd meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, NEC constituted a committee chaired by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to oversee the process of overhaul of training institutions for security agencies across the country.

The committee has a one month period to produce a blueprint for the renovation of training institutions for the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies nationwide.
Addressing members of the Council, President Tinubu highlighted the need for government to fix training institutions and facilities for security agencies across the country, assuring that his administration would make concerted efforts to reverse the dilapidation in police training facilities nationwide.

“We have to make the conditions of the training facilities more conducive for both the trainers and trainees,” he said.
Other members of the NEC committee are Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kefas Agbu of Taraba, Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, with former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baba Usman, as secretary.

Also, President Tinubu urged state governors to also pay attention to issues that affect the wellbeing of the people particularly from the grassroot.

Earlier, Chairman of NEC, Vice President Kashim called on state governments to translate the optimism of the streets into real prosperity in homes and communities.

In his opening address, the Vice President Shettima reminded state governors that the measure of governance lies in the tangible improvement of citizens’ lives rather than rhetoric.

“The measure of government is not in speeches delivered; it is in the lives improved,” the Vice President said.

Highlighting one of the day’s major presentations, including the Anticipatory Action Framework for Riverine Flooding by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), VP Shettima reiterated the administration’s shift from reactive crisis management to proactive planning.

“It is no longer in doubt that rivers that once sustained our farmlands and livelihoods have also been the source of recurring tragedy for many of our citizens.

“Entire communities have watched their dreams drown in waters that could have been tamed through foresight and planning. True leadership anticipates danger and builds systems to prevent loss before it happens,” he said.

He commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for leading the charge toward disaster preparedness across the federation, noting that the framework will strengthen early warning systems, coordination mechanisms, and subnational response capacities.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu presented a NEC memorandum outlining Nigeria’s trajectory toward a $1 trillion economy by 2033, describing the target as a test of coordination and clarity.

According to the Vice President, “This ambition requires coordination across the federation. It is our duty as a Council to interrogate the pathways, to assign responsibilities, and to ensure that our targets are realistic, time-bound, and transparent to the citizens who expect results.”

He emphasised that the roadmap aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises macroeconomic stability, job creation, food security, and subnational competitiveness as anchors of national prosperity.

Senator Shettima also commended the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA), a state-driven digital agriculture model designed to modernise service delivery and improve farmers’ access to data, markets, and climate information.

“Earlier this week, at the invitation of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, I was in Katsina State. One of the progressive projects we launched is the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture, known as KASPA. It is a scalable framework for digital governance, farmer inclusion, and climate-smart productivity ready for sub-national adoption,” the Vice President said.

The platform, he noted, reflects the Council’s broader commitment to technology-enabled governance and inclusive agricultural growth that cuts across the thirty-six states and the FCT.

“The story of Nigeria’s recovery will not be written by chance but by choice—by the deliberate actions we take to protect our economy, safeguard our environment, and uphold the welfare of our citizens,” he said.

VP Shettima commended governors, ministers, and members of the Council for sustaining the NEC as a platform of trust, cooperation, and policy innovation.

Other highlights of the meeting are as follows:

NEC (6TH IN 2025) 153RD MEETING, THURSDAY, 23RD OCTOBER, 2025.

PRESS BRIEFING:

UPDATE ON ACCOUNT BALANCES AS AT OCTOBER, 2025

EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT – $535,823.39

STABILIZATION ACCOUNT – N87,665,172,169.67

NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT – N141,585,815,908.16

UPDATE ON NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON POLIO ERADICATION BY THE CHAIRMAN, ALH. MUHAMMAD INUWA YAHAYA, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE

Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee briefed Council that since its inauguration, the Committee has convened four times (June–October 2025), strengthening political commitment and coordination.

That Epidemiological data show continued progress, with cVPV2 cases dropping by 44% from 109 in 2024 to 61 in 2025. Kano and Katsina achieved major reductions (89% and 88% respectively). However, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi reported new cases (8, 4, and 2), highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance. Gombe remains free of new cases.

That recent In-Between Round Activities (IBRA) led to significant gains:
i. Settlements reached rose from 77% in August to 97% in September.

ii. Vaccine coverage in insecure areas reached 90% across key states.

iii. The first phase of the National Integrated Campaign (launched by the First Lady on 6 Oct 2025) was conducted in five high-burden states, reaching 60% of settlements and vaccinating 73% (Polio) and 57% (Measles-Rubella) of targeted children as of 12 October 2025.

iv. The second phase began on 18 Oct 2025 in Gombe, continuing integrated vaccination efforts.

Current activities and next steps

  1. The nationwide Integrated Campaign commenced on 6th October 2025 is ongoing across five states — Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
  2. The Integrated Campaign delivers a comprehensive health package, including Measles-Rubella and Polio vaccines, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) interventions.

Council Resolution:
i. Council urged state governments to ensure release of funds to their structures to improve statewide immunization exercise.

ii. The NEC urged sustenance of momentum to reduce polio infection and spread thereby safeguarding every Nigerian child.

PRESENTATION ON KATSINA SUSTAINABLE PLATFORM FOR AGRICULTURE (KASPA) BY SSAP INNOVATION NASIR YAMMAMA

The National Economic Council received a presentation on the Sustainable Platform for Agriculture by the SSA to the President on Innovation, Nasir Yammama. The presentation was on the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) as a model for adoption by sub-nationals and part of solutions to challenges militating against improved agricultural productivity and sustainability in Nigeria.

The SSAP said the model which focuses on empowering smallholder farmers and developing the agribusiness value chain leverages technology to provide farmers with integrated agriculture assistance, including extension services and market linkages.

Council Resolution:

Council commended the innovation to deploy technology in addressing challenges faced by farmers across Nigeria and urged state governments to replicate the model in the bid to unlock the full potential of agricultural production regions across the country.

Council also directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to capture in its 2026 budget, the establish of the agriculture data and control centre in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON CRUDE OIL THEFT PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRESENTED BY THE CHAIRMAN, SEN. HOPE ODIDIKA UZODINMA, GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE.

The Committee updated Council that it has met several times and Members have formed a common front to fight Oil Theft in Nigeria. Some Critical Stakeholders in the Industry were invited for discussions to extract very important information that will further the assignment of the Committee. The Committee also met with the Regulator NNPC, and some operators in the industry. Our determination to raise oil production is informed by the Nation’s quest for a One Trillion US Dollar Economy by the year 2030.

NEXT STEPS
Below are the next steps the Committee intends to undertake:

A. Obtain and analyze some important information/data from critical stakeholders to further assist its assignment.

B. Resolved to provide logistics support to outstanding States, Security Agencies and relevant Agencies in securing National Oil and Gas Assets.

C. Embark on physical visits by the Committee to all the Crude Oil Export Terminals

D. Carry out further Forensic Investigation

E. Periodically monitor the implementation of activities outlined in the workplan

Council Resolution:

Council commended the committee for a job well done and urged concerted efforts to improve crude production beyond the 1.72 million barrel per day and directed the committee to expand the scope of its work to cover illegal mining activities and theft of mineral resources across the country.

Council also noted that Nigeria is on course to hit 2.5 million barrels day by end of 2025.
End

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Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

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Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

By: Our Reporter

Data obtained from daily reports indicates that over 740,000 civilians have been killed across ten Nigerian states between 2015 and 2025, according to an extensive analysis conducted by News Net Global Limited from reported cases in three national newspapers: The Daily Trust, Leadership Newspapers, and Daily Post Nigeria. 

This staggering figure underscores the severity of violence primarily driven by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other armed attacks affecting states such as Borno, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina in northeast, north-central, and northwest Nigeria. 

The persistence of these violent activities has not only resulted in a high death toll but also contributed to widespread displacement and socio-economic destabilization within these regions. 

Despite government efforts to curb the violence, criticism remains regarding the effectiveness of security measures implemented during this period.

The complexity of the conflict is further compounded by military actions such as airstrikes that have inadvertently caused civilian casualties, raising questions about operational accountability and humanitarian consequences.

As these challenges persist, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the protection of civilians and address the root causes of insecurity in affected regions.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and collaboration with international partners to effectively dismantle the networks of armed groups and restore stability in the regions.

The involvement of local communities in peace-building initiatives has been identified as a crucial element in mitigating violence and fostering long-term stability. The integration of conflict resolution frameworks that emphasize dialogue and reconciliation is essential to bridging the gap between communities and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable peace. 

To effectively address these multifaceted issues, it is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts that enhance security frameworks and prioritize the well-being of affected populations. 

Strengthening governance structures and promoting transparency in military operations are also vital to rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens. 

To address the widespread violence effectively, it is crucial to implement policies that not only enhance military precision and accountability but also focus on socioeconomic development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and providing education as a means to deter youth from joining armed groups. 

Addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and lack of education, is paramount in curbing the recruitment of youths into armed groups and fostering a more peaceful society. 

Furthermore, the integration of community-based peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots advocacy can play a pivotal role in empowering local populations to actively participate in creating solutions that address their unique security concerns. 

Also, by fostering collaboration between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, Nigeria can develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses immediate security threats but also promotes long-term stability and resilience within affected communities. 

It was observed that investing in education and economic development programs can also provide alternative pathways for youth, reducing the allure of joining armed groups and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous society. 

Dialogue between conflicting communities and strengthening local governance structures can enhance peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that the root causes of conflict are addressed effectively. 

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and increased accountability measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life. 

To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to implement robust security reforms and enhance accountability mechanisms, ensuring that both state and non-state actors are held accountable for their actions.

 Also, bolstering the judicial system to ensure swift and fair trials for those implicated in acts of violence can deter future atrocities and reinforce public trust in the rule of law. Additionally, fostering stronger collaboration with international human rights organizations can help monitor and report on human rights abuses, ensuring that global attention remains focused on these issues and prompting necessary interventions.

Similarly, investing in community-based early warning systems can empower local populations to identify and report potential threats, facilitating timely interventions and potentially saving lives. 

Also, integrating community policing initiatives can foster trust between law enforcement and local communities, creating a more inclusive approach to security that prioritizes the protection of civilians. 

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

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