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Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War
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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Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.

He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
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Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
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