News
Marwa Inaugurates Historic Weapons Training for NDLEA Officers, Inducts AK-47 Rifles After 36 Years
Marwa Inaugurates Historic Weapons Training for NDLEA Officers, Inducts AK-47 Rifles After 36 Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday formally commenced the induction of assault rifles and advanced pistols into its operational structure for the first time since its establishment 36 years ago, marking a significant shift in its strategy to confront increasingly armed and violent drug trafficking syndicates.
The landmark development was unveiled by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), during the inauguration of a specialised Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
The training, which focuses on the handling of AK-47 Type 56-1 rifles and HS-9/CF98A pistols, is designed to produce pioneer instructors who will subsequently train officers across the country’s commands before the weapons are deployed for operational use.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Colonel Murtala Aminu, Marwa said the initiative reflected the changing realities of Nigeria’s anti-drug war, noting that drug trafficking organisations had evolved into heavily armed criminal networks capable of confronting law enforcement officers.
“The nature of the war we fight has evolved,” he said. “Drug trafficking organisations are no longer mere commercial criminal enterprises; they are armed, organised and ruthless. Our officers face increasing danger in the field, and it would be unconscionable to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve.”
He stressed that the programme was not merely about introducing firearms but about protecting the lives of personnel while strengthening the agency’s capacity to combat organised crime.
Marwa attributed the milestone to the support of President Bola Tinubu, commending him for prioritising the strengthening of the agency’s operational capabilities.
He also acknowledged the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for facilitating the immediate release of an initial consignment of firearms and ammunition, which enabled the commencement of the training programme.
Providing details of the procurement process, Marwa disclosed that the acquisition of the weapons, initiated in 2023 through China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), had reached its final phase.
According to him, thousands of AK-47 rifles, pistols and ammunition are expected to arrive shortly, while a comprehensive distribution and accountability framework has already been approved to ensure transparency in their deployment.
He added that the agency was collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to airlift the weapons to commands across the country for secure distribution.
Marwa described the pioneer participants as the foundation upon which the NDLEA’s future weapons-handling culture would be built, charging them to uphold professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to safety standards.
“You are the first. You are the standard-bearers. The operational culture, the safety ethos and the professional discipline that will define how the NDLEA handles weapons all begin here,” he said.
He urged the trainees to regard weapons handling as a grave responsibility rather than a privilege, insisting that every firearm must be handled with utmost caution.
He further emphasised that technical proficiency must always be guided by ethics, restraint, sound judgement and strict compliance with the rules of engagement and the rule of law.
According to him, the authority conferred by firearms should never be abused but exercised responsibly in protecting lives and safeguarding the public.
Marwa said the introduction of tactical weapons represented another milestone in the agency’s transformation into a more professional and effective institution.
He noted that in recent years the NDLEA had recorded unprecedented seizures of illicit drugs, dismantled major trafficking syndicates and secured convictions against notorious drug traffickers.
“The induction of more arms into our operational inventory is the next chapter in that story, and it is a chapter that must be written with honour,” he said.
The agency has in recent years intensified nationwide operations against drug trafficking and abuse, leading to record seizures of narcotics, arrests of traffickers and destruction of cannabis plantations across several states.
The formal arming of selected operational personnel is expected to strengthen officers’ ability to protect themselves during high-risk interdictions and confront increasingly sophisticated criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa Inaugurates Historic Weapons Training for NDLEA Officers, Inducts AK-47 Rifles After 36 Years
News
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.
During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.
The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.
The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.
The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.
Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.
Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.
The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.
In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.
The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.
Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.
The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.
The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.
The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.
Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.
The inspection visit ended without any incident.
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Discover Suspected Bandit’s Corpse in Old Oyo National Park
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
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