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Marwa Says Global Collaboration of Anti-Narcotics Agency Important to Winning War on Drug Trafficking

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Marwa Says Global Collaboration of Anti-Narcotics Agency Important to Winning War on Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the recent discovery of clandestine laboratories for the production of methamphetamine and the seizures of captagon, fentanyl, and other deadly substances in Nigeria further underscores the growing threat of illicit drugs to public health and national security, insisting that global collaboration of anti-narcotics agency important to winning war on drug trafficking.

Marwa, said this in Lagos on Monday in his opening remarks at the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) twinning programme being organized by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

He said if drug trafficking cartels can maintain effective network across the globe, it is expedient for drug law enforcement agencies to forge a clear formidable lead ahead of them to win this all-important fight.

According to him: “This programme is a laudable initiative and is timely considering the proliferation of new psychotropic substances (NPS), non-medical synthetic opioids, and other dangerous substances. The multi-agency training on real-time communication, intelligence tools, awareness raising, and the handling of dangerous substances, is a welcome development aimed at intercepting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

“Expectedly, this will help to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and regulatory officers across regions and promote faster and more effective cooperation among participating countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam. Other benefits include intelligence sharing and officer exchange programmes, which are vital to the dislodgment of transnational drug trafficking groups.”

The anti-narcotics agency boss while expressing optimism about the gains of the strategic alliance between West Africa and Southeast Asia, said the twinning programme “is preparing a solid foundation for a more coordinated onslaught against drug trafficking cartels. Apart from exposing officers to global and regional trend in new psychotropic substances (NPS) and non-medical synthetic opioids, it will also enhance the capacity of law enforcement agents to discharge their duties.”

The NDLEA boss promised that His agency will continue to take every step aimed at increasing local and international collaboration adding that as part of that “We are poised to tighten the noose against drug traffickers as we partner towards an integrated and balanced strategy to counter the world drug problem.” He equally emphasised the need for greater partnership among nations.

Also speaking at the programme, Craig Nixon of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, INL, US Department of State, said “we continue to engage our foreign partners to attain more impactful counter-narcotics and law enforcement outcomes through foreign assistance, diplomacy, and the deployment of deterrence tools”, adding that the new modality of synthetic drug trafficking poses a significant challenge to the United States.

In his remarks, Regional Technical Officer for the INCB’s GRIDS programme in West and Central Africa, Amari Bedi Olivier congratulated the NDLEA Chairman over “the recent historic seizure of Fentanyl.” According to him, “the mention of this opioid in Africa is frightening, and Mr. Chairman, you had the courage to alert the world during the HONLEA on the risk of this substance on the African continent. Your message enabled us to launch a search in our analysis tool, called IONICS. Information has been shared with the countries concerned and investigations are ongoing. I want to bring up this case to highlight your courage in assuming our own history and responsibilities by not denying the possibility of such trafficking in Africa.”

In his presentation, the Regional Technical Officer, GRIDS Programme, Long Nguyen Duc warned that Social Media networks all around the globe are widely exploited by vendors of dangerous substances such as synthetic opioids or NPS, adding that “more and more vendors are “fishing” their customers over Social Media and then continue the communication via encrypted communication tools such as Wickr.” He also highlighted the dangers of exposure to fentanyl through use or improper handling.

Marwa Says Global Collaboration of Anti-Narcotics Agency Important to Winning War on Drug Trafficking

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Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

*** Says national security, economic transformation remain President Tinubu’s priorities

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.

In a Christmas message on Wednesday, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.

He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”

Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.

“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.

Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”

He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.

“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.

VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.

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Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

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Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.

CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.

They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.

“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.

Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

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Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

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Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

By Zagazola Makama

Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.

Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.

Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.

Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.

He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.

The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.

This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.

The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.

Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

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