News
Marwa Sets 2026 Operational Agenda, Orders NDLEA Commanders to Dismantle Drug Cartels Nationwide
Marwa Sets 2026 Operational Agenda, Orders NDLEA Commanders to Dismantle Drug Cartels Nationwide
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has unveiled an ambitious operational roadmap for 2026, directing commanders across the country to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling drug cartels and expanding nationwide sensitization against substance abuse.
Marwa gave the directive during the agency’s annual review and strategic planning meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. The high-level meeting brought together the agency’s top leadership, including members of management, zonal commanders, commanders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as heads of seaports, international airports, marine units, strike force and special operations formations.
Addressing the gathering, the NDLEA boss said the agency had entered 2026 on a strong operational footing, building on the record-breaking seizures, arrests and convictions recorded in previous years.
He stressed that while notable progress had been made, the agency must avoid complacency and instead focus on consolidating and expanding its gains.
According to Marwa, the operational focus for 2026 will centre on two critical pillars: drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction. He explained that beyond intercepting illicit drugs, the agency must aggressively disrupt the financial and logistical networks that sustain drug trafficking organisations across the country.
He charged commanders to adopt intelligence-driven operations, improve surveillance, and ensure careful planning before executing any enforcement action. Marwa warned that compromise, indiscipline and unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated, emphasizing that operational integrity remains non-negotiable.
The NDLEA chairman commended officers and men of the agency for their dedication and resilience, noting that their performance over the past five years had significantly improved the agency’s public image and international standing. He attributed the renewal of his tenure by the President to the collective efforts of commanders and operatives on the field.
Marwa also highlighted the growing importance of advocacy and public enlightenment in addressing drug abuse, particularly among young people. He noted that sensitization programmes in schools, communities and workplaces had recorded encouraging results but insisted that such efforts must be expanded and sustained in 2026.
He also directed commanders to strengthen State Drug Control Committees across the federation, ensuring that they are functional not only at state level but also at local government and ward levels. He described grassroots engagement as critical to winning the fight against substance abuse.
Reassuring Nigerians, Marwa said the NDLEA remains fully committed to safeguarding families and communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. He warned drug traffickers that there would be no operational gaps or safe havens for their activities in 2026.
He further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the agency with credible information, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse requires collective national responsibility.
End
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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