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Marwa: With 50,901 Arrests, 9,034 Convictions We Have Sent a Message to Drug Cartels

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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

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NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe

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NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.

“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.

He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.

NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe

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Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

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Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.

The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.

The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.

The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.

Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.

The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.

In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.

Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.

Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.

Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.

Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

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Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

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Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

By: Zagazola Makama

A heavy gun battle between troops and suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in casualties on both sides, security sources said on Monday.

The clash occurred when insurgents reportedly attacked a military camp, prompting troops to engage in a prolonged firefight. Security operatives said exploitation of the camp is still ongoing.

According to sources, items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades.

Sources noted blood stains and drags outside the camp, suggesting insurgent casualties during the encounter.

In a related development, troops reportedly intercepted an injured BHT fighter in the community who was being brought to the camp. The suspect attempted to escape, prompting additional gunfire, the sources said.

Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.

Further updates on casualties and operational outcomes are expected as clearance operations continue in the theatre of operations.

Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

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