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Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian public has been told to take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as their input is very important in ending the scourge.
The charge was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to announce the weeklong activities to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day.
Marwa said: “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA. It is a collective duty—one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim.”

He noted that each year, the World Drug Day is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months, adding that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts, with the theme for this year being: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Marwa said: “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing, culminating in the grand finale on 26th of June. These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.
“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include a range of NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.
“Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale—a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9 am.”
He said as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, the NDLEA has also continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.
“We are also modernising our approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in our operations. Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities. Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.

“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress.”
He said earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano. At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion”, he added.
Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure who was represented by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem. He said “the illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilizing affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”
While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, the UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre.
He said: “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralized.
“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organized crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.
“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery. We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.
Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
News
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja

FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
News
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara

Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
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