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Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels
Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the arrest of 50,901 drug offenders including 46 barons and the successful prosecution and conviction of 9,034 of them as well as the seizure of over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances in the past 38 months has sent the right message to drug cartels and their kingpins that Nigeria won’t tolerate their criminal activities.
Marwa stated this in Lagos on Monday in his remarks at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to NDLEA by the British government.
He commended the British government for its generous support, noting that it would further boost the capability of the anti-narcotic agency in tackling the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He said: “We gather here not just to commission a new building complex but to celebrate a significant milestone in our ongoing fight against the scourge of licit and illicit drug trafficking. Today, we commission the newly acquired building, a project made possible through the generous support of the British Government.
“I must begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to the British Government, for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to our cause. From the onset of our collaboration, the UK has been a steadfast ally in our relentless pursuit to neutralise transnational organised criminal activities, particularly in the realm of illicit drug production and trafficking.
“This building complex stands not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of the enduring partnership between our two nations in the global fight against drug trafficking. It represents the culmination of years of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared determination to combat one of the most pressing threats to our societies.
“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. It will serve as a vital hub for data analysis and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend those responsible. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology at our disposal, we are better equipped than ever before to tackle this complex and ever-evolving challenge head-on.
“But beyond the bricks and mortar, this building complex embodies the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that defines our partnership with the British Government. It is a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared purpose and a shared commitment to making our world a safer place for all.
“As an agency, NDLEA has undergone a tremendous reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by partners like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, resulting in remarkable achievements within the last three years.
“During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse. With a total of 50,901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons, our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice.
“Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes.
“Our seizure of 7,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. We have taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years.”
Marwa, while acknowledging officials of the British government that facilitated the realisation of the project especially Mr. Dave Carter, he called for the strengthening of the partnership between Nigeria and the UK. “As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in our partnership, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. Let us continue to work hand in hand, across borders and boundaries, to disrupt criminal networks, intercept illegal drugs, and bring to justice those who seek to profit from the illicit drug trade.”
He stated that though so much has been achieved under his leadership of the agency, the battle against illicit drugs is far from over. “Let us redouble our efforts, with renewed vigour and determination, as we strive to build a safer, more secure future for generations to come”, he charged.
Speaking at the ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter assured of continued support to NDLEA and Nigeria. According to him, “We, the UK government are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and I’m in particular delighted to have been personally in a number of activities especially your maritime. This building makes a whole set of different actors and capabilities to address any criminal activity.
“We’re delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response. I’ll like to join the chairman in affirming our continued support, our continued cooperation and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA.”
Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels
News
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy to support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains and migration management.
The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
European officials said the seven new investment operations demonstrate a renewed political commitment to deepen cooperation between both partners while supporting Nigeria’s development priorities.
“In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria,” Kallas said. “Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides.”
The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments are designed to support long-term economic growth while strengthening critical sectors.
“Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture,” Síkela said. “These Global Gateway investments create quality infrastructure, sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities that benefit the Nigerian people while also creating new opportunities for Europe.”
The digital sector received the largest share of the investment package, with €131 million earmarked for improving connectivity, expanding digital services and strengthening digital skills.
Under the programme, the EU will support the rollout of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The project aims to deliver secure and affordable internet access to an estimated 33 million Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity.
It will also support the development of secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s technical talent development initiative aimed at training millions of digital professionals.
Alongside the broader investment package, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, EIB Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry to boost healthcare manufacturing in Nigeria.
The facility will support local companies producing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic products and other medical devices through a dedicated credit line aimed at addressing financing gaps in the sector.
The agreement was announced in the presence of senior officials including the Bank of Industry’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olasupo Olusi, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Olusi said the initiative represents a major step toward building Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing capacity.
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey from being a major importer of essential health commodities to becoming a competitive producer within regional and global value chains,” he said.
“By mobilising long-term patient capital into local pharmaceutical, vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing, we are not only strengthening health security but also catalysing industrial growth, skills development and high-quality job creation.”
The initiative is financed under the Human Development Accelerator programme backed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Investment Bank in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle, said the partnership demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening health systems across Africa.
“By financing the development and local manufacture of essential medicinal and nutritional products, we enhance access to affordable, safe and high-quality treatments for diseases while improving the resilience of supply chains,” Fayolle said.
The EU investment package also includes €86 million to support agricultural development, particularly in Nigeria’s cocoa and dairy value chains.
The financing will provide easier access to credit for smallholder farmers and agribusiness companies through the Bank of Industry while supporting climate-smart agriculture policies and sustainable production.
Officials said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand dairy production and strengthen cocoa exports to European markets.
Another €16 million will support migration management programmes, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking networks.
The funding will provide social, economic and psychological assistance for voluntary returnees while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle smuggling and trafficking networks.
The latest commitments build on earlier EU investments in Nigeria in sectors including urban transportation in Lagos, renewable energy, democratic governance and programmes to combat gender-based violence.
With the new package, total Team Europe commitments to Nigeria since 2025 have reached €962.5 million.
Officials said the growing portfolio highlights the EU’s intention to deepen economic cooperation with Nigeria while promoting sustainable development, industrialisation and private sector growth.
The European Investment Bank alone has invested more than €2.3 billion in Nigeria since beginning operations in the country in 1978, supporting projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation, agribusiness and small business financing.
European officials said the new investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to build resilient industries, create jobs and expand opportunities for regional trade across West Africa.
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a former member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State for threatening a family member with a firearm.
According to sources, the arrest occurred at about 0700 hours on March 22 at Maraban Zallaki village, where the ex-CJTF member was found in possession of a locally made rifle and two live.
“The suspect was reportedly threatening to shoot a family member of his ex-wife when troops intervened,” the sources said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is mentally unstable.
He, along with the recovered firearm and ammunition, is currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
Army arrests four suspects over attempted transformer vandalism
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Udo Ka have arrested four suspects in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State for attempting to vandalize a transformer at the SETRACO live camp in Amasiri.
According to source, at about 0650 hours on March 21, troops from 24 Special Engineering Regiment and 2 Works Battalion responded to a distress call from the camp’s Public Relations Officer about a suspected individual trying to tamper with a transformer.
“On arrival, troops confirmed that one suspect had been apprehended by camp security personnel while attempting to carry out the act,” the source said.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of three additional accomplices and the recovery of a large quantity of copper wires, aluminum cables, batteries, cutting tools, and other equipment believed to be intended for theft or vandalism.
The suspects and recovered items are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Army arrests four suspects over attempted transformer vandalism
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
Army arrests four suspects over attempted transformer vandalism
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