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Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has declared that the forthcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030 will mark decisive new phase in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, addiction, and related criminal networks.
Speaking on Thursday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, Marwa while receiving the final summative evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan, described the review as both a scorecard of progress and a compass for future reforms.
He said the next five-year framework is being designed to consolidate operational gains recorded in recent years while closing critical gaps, particularly in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
“With the depth of preparation and the seriousness attached to the 2026–2030 Master Plan, its execution will significantly strengthen our ongoing drug control efforts,” Marwa said. “When fully implemented, it will deliver measurable improvements in public health outcomes and reinforce national security.”
According to him, Nigeria’s drug challenge remains intertwined with organised crime, insurgency financing, and youth vulnerability, making a comprehensive and coordinated response imperative.
He stressed that the new master plan will further integrate supply reduction strategies—such as seizures, arrests, and dismantling of trafficking syndicates—with demand reduction efforts, including education, counselling, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.
Marwa commended the evaluation team led by Prof. Ibrahim Wakama of the University of Maiduguri for what he described as a rigorous and objective assessment of the 2021–2025 plan.
“I must commend your diligence and professionalism,” he said. “Your recognition of the successes achieved under both the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars is well appreciated. It is important that we build on these gains as we move into the next cycle.”
The NDLEA chief expressed confidence that under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency would achieve even greater milestones in safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Earlier, Prof. Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership, noting that the agency had exceeded many of the targets set in the 2021–2025 framework. He said the evaluation revealed substantial progress in operational efficiency, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness campaigns.
While acknowledging areas that require strengthening—particularly in drug demand reduction—Wakawa voiced optimism that the NDLEA would address identified gaps through improved policy alignment, resource deployment, and stakeholder collaboration under the new master plan.
He was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ibiba Odili, both retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics and former heads of the NDCMP secretariat, who contributed to the evaluation process.
The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as Nigeria’s central policy blueprint for combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. It aligns law enforcement operations with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and multi-sectoral engagement—an approach authorities say is essential to confronting a drug crisis that threatens both public health and national stability.
With preparations for the 2026–2030 plan nearing completion, stakeholders say its implementation could define the next chapter of Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, combining tougher enforcement with a more expansive public health response.
Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.
Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.
According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.
Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.
Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
By: Yahqya Wakili
The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.
Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.
Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Troops destroy terrorist hideouts, arrest 9 suspected informants in Taraba
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