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Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War

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Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged the Nigerian elites to key into the whole-of-society strategy by the NDLEA to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa gave the charge in his keynote speech at the Island Club Business Forum in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said: “This is not a challenge for government alone. All of us are stakeholders on this issue and it is an assignment for all Nigerians. The standard whole-of-society approach to the drug issue is such that everyone is a stakeholder. The future of Nigeria belongs to us all.

“As we are doing our bit at NDLEA, we expect society to complement our efforts by taking a huge role in preventing the young ones from falling into situations that encourage experimentation with drugs, whether licit or illicit. Every one of us has a role to play, and the simplest role is one of advocacy. By spreading the message, we can all become anti-drug abuse advocates. Spreading the word about the dangers of misuse of drugs can go a long way in shielding more lives from the ruins of illicit drugs. The Island Club can also join in this effort to safeguard the wellbeing of our society from the drug menace.”

He told the gathering of business leaders, students and parents that since the retooling of NDLEA three years ago after he assumed leadership, “the agency has ramped up its drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts leading to significant results, adding that the call for everyone to support the ongoing effort has become imperative because of the forecast by UNODC in 2021 World Drug Report that drug use in Africa will rise by 40% in Year 2030 especially among those within 25-29 and 30-34 age groups as a result of population growth.

“By and large, the outlook of the future will depend on our action or inaction at curbing the drug abuse trend. I, being an optimist, believe the future favours Nigeria―only if we get the matrix right. A lot has been said about the future belonging to Africa. Indeed, the potential is glaring, when you factor in the continent’s burgeoning youth population, the digital aptitude of the younger generation and the enterprising spirit of young people.

“But a lot of work has to go into the making of that vision. If we read the statistics correctly, the world’s biggest drug problem of the future could be in Africa. So, the future could be bright or bleak; it could be one of boom or gloom; it could be decades of prosperity or problems depending on the amount of work we are willing to do today. Tomorrow, the saying goes, belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

He said the enormity of the problem is further reflected by the anti-drug activities of the NDLEA in the past three years, noting that: “In just three years, we have arrested 52,901 traffickers, including 52 barons, and 9, 034 have been convicted. The barons we have arrested are not anonymous people in society. They include big business people and socialites—some of them have chieftaincy titles—and also government officials, including those tasked with maintaining law and order. That tells how deeply the rot had eaten into the fabric of our society. Within the period, we have seized 8.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms.”

Other invited guests who spoke on the menace of drug abuse at the forum include: a consultant psychiatrist, Prof Harry Ladapo, and President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prof Lere Baale,

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Island Club, Omoba Rotimi Martins acknowledged Marwa’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse adding that “his wealth of experience in tackling this scourge inspire us all.” He described “drug abuse as a menace that has infiltrated every layer of our society, threatening our youth, destabilizing families, and undermining the socio-economic fabric of our nation.”

He said: “Today, we are gathered not only to discuss its devastating impact but, more importantly, to explore practical, sustainable solutions to this epidemic. This event exemplifies what Island Club has stood for since its inception – a hub for meaningful discourse, community engagement, and solutions-driven dialogue.

“As we embark on this journey today, let us remember that the fight against drug abuse is not just about enforcement or legislation, it is about building a society that offers hope, opportunities, and support to its citizens. Together, we can create a Nigeria where our young people can thrive, free from the shadows of addiction.”

Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War

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Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

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Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A member of the Hunters RRS in Gamboru, Ngala Local Government Area, has accidentally shot and killed a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operative in Gamboru, Borno State.

Zagazola gathered that shemi Babagana, 28, a member of Hunters RRS, reported that at about 2:20 a.m. on Thursday, he accidentally shot Modu Hunters, 26, a CJTF member attached to Sector 10 Maiduguri, with his pump-action gun. The incident occurred adjacent to Gamboru Motor Park.

“The scene was visited and photographed. The victim was evacuated to Primary Health Care Centre Gamboru for treatment but was certified dead on arrival by the medical officer. The suspect was arrested, and the gun was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse was photographed and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites,” the statement said.

The case file, suspect, and exhibit have been handed over to CID Maiduguri for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

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UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

By: Dungus Abdulkarim

Today, 30th October 2025 at about 0450hrs, operatives of A Division Police Headquarters conducted a targeted raid at a known black spot within the Pawari Forestry area.

During the operation, eleven (11) persons—all below the age of 16—were apprehended. The individuals, who are of different addresses within Maiduguri, Borno State, were found at an illegal gathering during odd hours. Items suspected to be harmful or illicit liquid substances were recovered at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the minors confessed to involvement in pickpocketing and theft of mobile phones, mainly within crowded areas and markets. Efforts are ongoing to contact and trace their parents or guardians.

The Command acknowledges that juveniles are often vulnerable to peer influence, exploitation, and involvement in criminal activities when proper guidance is lacking. The Police do not treat children as criminals, but as persons in need of care, guidance, and rehabilitation.

The Command urges parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to:

Pay close attention to the movement and associations of their children.

Ensure minors return home early and are not allowed to roam unmonitored, especially at night.

Engage young people in constructive activities, such as school, vocational training, sports, and skills acquisition.

Report suspicious gatherings or the presence of unknown adults influencing minors.

Children are the responsibility of both the family and the community. Early guidance prevents future crime; neglect encourages it.

The Command remains committed to safeguarding public safety and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPR
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command
October 30,2025

UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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ActionAid Nigeria, Stakeholders Call for Private Sector-Driven Solutions to Reintegration Challenges

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ActionAid Nigeria, Stakeholders Call for Private Sector-Driven Solutions to Reintegration Challenges

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria, with strategic partners, has advocated for the bridging of the gap between corporate impact and community resilience by leveraging private sector engagement to support vulnerable populations.

They said there is an urgent need to align Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes with sustainable pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and inclusive development.

Through the initiative, implemented under the Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities of Vulnerable Population and Returning Migrants (RECONNECT) Project, focuses are on promoting reintegration and economic empowerment for returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors of gender-based violence, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

At a strategic meeting on Thursday which brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders from hairdressing, fashion design, shoemaking, and catering sectors, alongside partners such as GIZ, GOPA, and the NCFRMI, stakeholders explored innovative models of collaboration that deliver lasting social and economic impact.

Speaking at the event, ActionAid Nigeria Head of Programme, Celestine Odo, emphasized the project’s focus on helping vulnerable populations rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into society. Through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and psychosocial care, the initiative works to restore dignity and foster resilience.

The RECONNECT Project focuses on helping vulnerable populations including returnees, IDPs, survivors of gender-based violence, and other marginalized groups rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into society.

In his words, he stated: “Through skills training, psychosocial support, and entrepreneurship development, RECONNECT is helping to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and foster resilience among those who have been displaced or marginalized.”

Odo also highlighted that the meeting provides a platform for private sector actors to move beyond donations and align their CSR efforts with the real needs of vulnerable communities, ensuring sustainable impact and mutually beneficial outcomes.

“Today’s gathering is a strategic dialogue. It is a space where we seek to bridge the gap between the private sector’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and the urgent needs of these vulnerable groups.”

He emphasized that businesses are encouraged to participate in inclusive economic initiatives, such as job creation, skills development, and community-based enterprises.

“Through CSR, businesses can support skills development, create inclusive job opportunities, and invest in community-based enterprises that empower people and strengthen local economies.”

Odo further stressed the importance of visionary, collaborative action that goes beyond immediate assistance, fostering long-term reintegration, empowerment, and social justice for vulnerable populations.

“Let us explore innovative models of partnership that align business goals with social impact… Let us commit to actions that will transform lives, not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Humanitarian and Resilience Specialist David Habba emphasized that businesses, like citizens, owe a responsibility to contribute to society. This aligns with the program’s focus on CSR and social impact, highlighting that business success is intertwined with societal growth.

He said: “Every business has an obligation to give back to the society that made their progress possible.”

Habba reminded participants that all business and economic efforts ultimately serve people, stressing the human-centered nature of development and CSR.

“Whatever we get, it’s so that we can give. The food you eat is so that you can have energy to do work… We are never meant to receive and to collect alone. We are meant to also give up. So whatever we’re doing is about people.”

He further highlighted that economic reintegration reduces re-migration and taps into the resilience of returnees, demonstrating how private sector engagement can transform social challenges into opportunities.

“Economic reintegration reduces re-migration. Private sector engagement should start at free jobs, skills, pathways, and market increases.”

Habba also pointed out that many businesses already contribute to society, sometimes unknowingly, and that recognizing and formalizing these efforts strengthens both corporate accountability and societal benefit.

“Many businesses are already doing CSR, but you’re not even recognizing that you’re doing CSR. Because your systems are not there, they’re not set to recognize the support that you do as CSR.”

He encouraged collaboration between organizations and the private sector to maximize social impact, creating sustainable solutions for reintegration, training, and employment.

“In an organization like ours, our resources meet your resources… It’s like, let us find out. Ours come, yours come, and there’s a happy meeting point.”

The GIZ representative, Victor Ossai, emphasized that the organization’s core mission is to support and strengthen structures that facilitate safe and regular migration. She noted that the program operates globally, helping partner countries create sustainable systems for education, work, and reintegration.

“The focus of our program is strengthening partner structures to enable people who are engaged in regular migration for educational or work purposes, while also ensuring the sustainable reintegration of those returning to Nigeria.”

She highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies, organizations, and donor partners to achieve greater impact in migration and reintegration efforts.

“We are not just working with one organization; we are engaging with multiple agencies and donor partners to strengthen collaboration and extend our impact across different areas of migration and development.”

The representative also stressed the need to expand outreach to include individuals and communities that may not yet be aware of available migration and reintegration programs, ensuring inclusivity and wider access to opportunities.

“We must expand our scope of intervention to reach people who may not have heard about these initiatives before, so that everyone can benefit from the opportunities created through migration and development programs.”

Presented by Abraham, Program Advisor, the RECONNECT Project implements a comprehensive approach to support vulnerable populations. In terms of economic stability, the project provides vocational training for 400 beneficiaries and offers support for business startups. It also integrates participants into cooperatives, provides business and marketing skills development, and facilitates market linkages and business fairs to strengthen local enterprises.

For social stability, the project ensures access to first-response health services and legal support for vulnerable groups. Psychosocial support is provided through counseling services, private sector engagement under a CSR framework, and the development of a comprehensive service referral directory. These efforts aim to promote mental well-being, resilience, and community cohesion.

The project also prioritizes capacity building through mentorship programs for beneficiaries and training for civil society organizations on migration management and psychosocial support. Coordination meetings are held with stakeholders to enhance collaboration and ensure effective delivery of services.

Through these integrated interventions, the RECONNECT Project empowers vulnerable populations, facilitates their reintegration into society, and creates sustainable pathways for social and economic inclusion.

ActionAid Nigeria, Stakeholders Call for Private Sector-Driven Solutions to Reintegration Challenges

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