National News
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged newly trained 2,500 personnel of the agency ready for deployment to stand firm and reject insidious temptations that will come their way from drug barons and cartels.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the newly trained Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants in Katsina on Thursday, Marwa reminded the new personnel that they can’t afford to compromise on their work because their efforts will directly impact the safety and well-being of their families, communities, and the country at large.
He said: “I believe that before you reported at the Academy, you must have read and heard about the good works of NDLEA officers. Today, the door is open for you to contribute your quota. NDLEA has a storied history of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. We are in a new epoch in which we approach the fight against drug trafficking organisations with an indomitable spirit and determination to break their stranglehold on society.
“In the renewed war on illicit drugs, NDLEA is employing the latest techniques, technologies, and intelligence to curb the menace. Hence, I can assure you that you are coming into the Agency at a time when the job has become challenging but exciting and gratifying as well.”
Marwa who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd) said the agency launched an Offensive Action to put traffickers and barons on the defensive while equally promoting a War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy campaign with long-term objectives of preventing drug abuse in society.
He said: “In the pursuit of the solemn duties of our mandate, it is vital for you to recognise and vehemently reject the insidious temptations of bribery and corruption that often accompany the drug trade. Drug traffickers and their cohorts, who readily use the trap of financial gain to push their nefarious objectives, would attempt to compromise the integrity of anti-narcotic law enforcement officers. Therefore, the officers and men of NDLEA must remain impervious to these temptations.
“We should be reminded at all times that the fight against drug traffickers is a noble cause rooted in the unwavering commitment to eradicate the suffering and devastation caused by the illicit drug trade. Corruption and bribery have no place in this mission, and you must not only resist these temptations but actively expose and report any attempts of compromise. Bear in mind at all times that the consequences of falling into the abyss of corruption have far-reaching implications for the society you all have sworn to protect.
“Therefore, I implore you to stand firm in the face of these temptations, to act with integrity, and to uphold the core values of NDLEA. Our duty is sacred. Our commitment is a beacon of hope for victims of the drug scourge. Our loyalty to the cause, therefore, should be absolute and unalloyed.”
He further told the new personnel that “in rejecting corruption and upholding our commitment, we are not only defending the well-being of our nation but also preserving the moral fabric of our society and ensuring that justice prevails.”
To the larger society, Marwa said “we all owe a duty to this country to rid it of the drug menace and safeguard its corporate existence. We must bear in mind that it is our society, children, youths and indeed, our culture and future, that are under attack and in danger of being corrupted by the illicit drug culture. Hence, we need to rise in unison against this dreaded monster. Your support to NDLEA, especially through the supply of useful intelligence, will go a long way in stemming the tide of abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs in our country.”
The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to the government and people of Katsina; the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the management and staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); management and staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina as well as the Commandant and instructors of NDLEA Academy for their support and assistance towards the success of the training.
The ceremony which was well attended by high-ranking officers from various security agencies include march past, demonstration of basic anti-narcotic operations skills and presentation of awards to outstanding cadets.
Dignitaries at the event include Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Secretary to the Katsina State Government, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Daura, who led other members of the assembly; and the representatives of the Emir of Katsina.
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
National News
Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm
Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is not taking lightly the shooting of an immigration officer at a Chinese firm in Jos, Plateau State.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who narrated the story,
The federal government has threatened a serious diplomatic row with the Republic of China over maltreatment of a Nigerian Immigration Service officer shot by a Chinese company in Nigeria for asking for the company’s expatriate list.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who narrated the story on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa policy 2025, said Nigeria is not handling the matter with kid gloves as it would be taken up as a diplomatic issue.
Tunji-Ojo lamented that the development alone is an attack on Nigeria. It will never be condoned.
He said the Immigration officer, who was on official duty, had visited the Chinese company in Jos, Plateau state, to check the list of the company’s expatriates, but the owner of the company ordered a security officer in the premises to shoot the government official.
Tunji-Ojo said: “I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world.
“These officers put their lives on the line. These officers serve this country with their all. And you will not come from anywhere and ask them to shoot them in their fatherland.
“It will no longer happen. We will take it up with you. Because that company, we (Nigerian government) have the power to withdraw their business permit Nigeria and declare them illegal.”
He wondered how it had become an offence for an Immigration officer to visit a foreign company and demand to see their expatriate list.
He said: “It will not happen again. So we’re going to be very hard. We will not stop your business. We will not overburden your business. But don’t make us inferior in our own land. No, please.
“And we’re going to be very tough on this. Because talking to you, I’m not just talking with passion on this topic, I’m talking with a lot of anger, because that guy that was shot is a Nigeria that we all swore to protect by virtue of the laws of Nigeria, by the constitution. That Immigration guy was not shot by a terrorist, is a father, he is a son to somebody. He is a husband to somebody. That cannot happen anywhere in the world.
“We will not tolerate it. Please, no agent, no company is above the law,” the Minister declared
Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm
Nigeria Explores CNG Technology to Power Defence, Industrial Vehicle Fleets
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has led a high-level delegation on a tour of UROVESA—a renowned Spanish manufacturer of military and industrial vehicles.
The visit focused on exploring potential collaboration in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology for powering Nigeria’s defence and industrial vehicle fleets.
The minister was accompanied on the visit by key figures including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo; Presidential CNG Initiative representative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi; Engr. Henry Oki; and the Special Assistant for Gas Business and Investment to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), where they all engaged in detailed discussions with UROVESA executives.
During the visit, Tuggar emphasized the longstanding trade ties between Nigeria and Spain, noting that Spain remains one of Nigeria’s top trading partners, with Nigerian crude oil exports reaching $3.64 billion in 2023.
He lauded UROVESA’s innovative approach to producing all-terrain, armoured, tactical, and logistical vehicles, and expressed Nigeria’s growing interest in and implementation of CNG-powered solutions.
Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s business-friendly economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which have positioned the country as a prime destination for investment in clean energy technologies. The discussions provided a valuable platform for further exploration of future collaborations between UROVESA and Nigeria’s Ministry of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) in CNG-powered vehicle production and supply.
According to a statement by the foreign affairs minister spokesman, Alkasim AbdulKadir, the engagement not only reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to a green energy future but also laid the groundwork for modernizing the nation’s defence and industrial fleets with environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy solutions.
He said the promising outcome of the discussions sets the stage for a strategic partnership that is expected to foster sustainable innovation and drive economic growth for both Nigeria and UROVESA.
Nigeria Explores CNG Technology to Power Defence, Industrial Vehicle Fleets
ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has handed over a drug rehabilitation center to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in North West Nigeria to enhance drug related treatments.
Handing over the facility, the Director Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by Head of ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division Dr. Daniel Amankwaah expressed the commitment of ECOWAS in fostering regional cooperation and providing technical and financial assistance to member states in tackling substance abuse.
He explained that, the renovated and equipped facility stands as a symbol of ECOWAS shared responsibility to protect public health, promote human dignity, and offer a second chance to those struggling with drug dependence.
He said: “As ECOWAS officially hand over this facility which was funded through ECOWAS own resources, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to quality drug treatment services and strengthening the resilience of our communities across West Africa.”
According to him, the ECOWAS Commission, under its drug prevention and control programme launched the support to its Member States to build or renovate their drug treatment centres.
He said: “the project targets all Member States to have at least one national drug treatment centre. So far, 8 centres in 6 Member States have been completed. Additional 12 centres are currently at various stages of construction. In Nigeria, 4 centres have been completed and additional 3 are at various stages.”
He expressed confidence that, the the facility will contribute to improving social functioning, by reducing the harmful effects of substance use, and enhancing the quality of life for people who use Drugs (PWUDs).
The Chief Medical Director Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Professor Abdurrahman Abba -Sheshe while thanking ECOWAS for the projects, described drug addiction and substance abuse as a pandemic that requires the support of the regional body.
He expressed confidence that, the well equiped facility will transform lives of addicts.
“I commend the NDLEA for their efforts in the fight against drug abuse not only in Kano state but the entire country. It requires all to achieve the desired results.”
The Commander of Narcotics National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA Kano State Ahmad Idris, informed the gathering that, the Kano command successfully counseled and rehabilitated over 100 in clients in 2024 representing a 43% increase from 2023 with significant increase in the campaigns against drug abuse
He noted that, the intensified War Against Drug Abuse WADA activities have contributed to the growth in the rate of client counseling.
“As ECOWAS continues to work towards its vision of a united, prosperous West Africa, its efforts in combating drug addiction will be critical in creating a brighter, healthier future for the region.”
ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
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