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Marwa Charges Nigerian Youths on Skills Acquisition, Warns Against Drug Abuse
Marwa Charges Nigerian Youths on Skills Acquisition, Warns Against Drug Abuse
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities as a strategic defence against drug abuse, unemployment and other social vices threatening national stability.
Marwa gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organisation.
He described the initiative as a critical intervention that supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, job creation, social inclusion and crime prevention. According to him, equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills is a sustainable approach to addressing poverty, drug dependency and insecurity.
The NDLEA boss commended Grassroots Bridge Builders for its plan to train and empower 10,000 youths, noting that such efforts go beyond charity to serve as long-term investments in national development. He stressed that empowering young people strengthens their resilience, builds character and reduces their vulnerability to drug abuse and criminal activities.
Marwa emphasised that the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government alone, calling for stronger collaboration among non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, faith-based institutions, community leaders and the private sector. He encouraged stakeholders to partner with the NDLEA in developing community-driven programmes that provide young people with skills, dignity and a sense of purpose.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Marwa described Nigerian youths as a vital asset to the country’s future rather than a burden to be managed. He urged them to take advantage of empowerment initiatives, reject drug use and invest in their talents to contribute meaningfully to national growth.
He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to supporting credible, non-partisan initiatives that promote youth development, skills acquisition and drug-free communities, describing youth empowerment as the most sustainable pathway to securing Nigeria’s future.
Marwa Charges Nigerian Youths on Skills Acquisition, Warns Against Drug Abuse
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Pollina Alfred, who was kidnapped from her residence in Dong Village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue operation was conducted on August 11, 2026, following the abduction of the victim from her residence in the community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops launched a search operation at about 7:00 a.m. and tracked the kidnappers to the Rafin Bauna general area in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The troops subsequently came under pressure as they intensified their search, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding area.
Mrs Alfred was found and rescued by the troops without further harm.
Following the rescue, the victim was debriefed by the security personnel before being reunited with her family.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have engaged armed Berom militias following reports of their movement from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area to carry out attacks in some fulani communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sub-Sector 81, reinforced by additional personnel from Headquarters Sector 8, mobilised to the general area at about 7:00 a.m. on August 11, 2026, following an advance report on the movement of the armed group.
The militias were reportedly moving towards Gwomgada, Dorong and Kaduno communities in Langai District of Mangu LGA.
The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group at Makera and Kaduno communities, leading to a firefight.
The engagement forced the militias to withdraw towards the general area of Jos East Local Government Area.
The troops are currently pursuing the fleeing group to deny them freedom of action and prevent further attacks on communities.
In a reinforcement effort, a detachment of the Special Forces has also been dispatched from Headquarters, Operation Enduring Peace, to support the troops operating in the area.
Further details on the operation are expected as the military continues its efforts to contain the threat and secure affected communities.
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits during a response to reports of farmland destruction at Manja Forest in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on August 11, 2026, following reports that armed herders suspected to be Fulani militias were destroying farmlands in the area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the location and made contact with the armed group.
A firefight ensued, during which the troops employed superior firepower and forced the militias to withdraw in disarray.
The source said the troops expended 10 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition and 19 rounds of 12.7mm x 108mm ammunition during the engagement.
Following the encounter, the troops maintained dominance of the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching further attacks against farmers and other residents.
The troops also engaged community leaders and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), urging them to sustain neighbourhood watch activities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to protect farming communities, prevent attacks and maintain security across vulnerable areas of Plateau State.
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau
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