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NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

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NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

By: Michael Mike

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Yemisi Asagbra debunked some allegations level against the agency by some non governmental organisations (NGOs) concerning negligence and compromise.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Asagbra said: “The negative statements circulating are misleading and lack credible scientific backing. The agency asks these organisations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims and we relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions. It is part of the Cartagena Protocol with over 180 parties, our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment. It will not compromise on this as it is an agency of integrity.

She added that: “The agency is transparent and accountable in its operations. It invites review of its processes and rigorous evaluations of GMO products. We are confident in our procedures that it’s meet global standards and it is a leader in effective regulation in Africa”.

On the source of the allegations, she said “over the years they have been advocating to have their presence in the board where all these products coming will be thoroughly Investigated, but it hasn’t been given. Most times we rely on the information given by Nigeria Custom Service to furnish them with needed information, which most time is not always easy if they have other things doing.

The Head planning, research and statistics National Biosafety Management Agency Mrs. Bello Scholastica said the agency is concerned with safety to our health and safety to our environment.

She further reiterated that what NBMA stands for is to establish first regulation from identification of the gene of interest, “of what you are interested in, from then till commercialization, and even after commercialization, they still follow suit to make sure that the approvals they gave hasn’t caused any harm, or those that were given approval to that they stay put to what they were asked to do”.

She further explained that the agency has put in effort to promote environmental conservation and biosafety in Nigeria.

NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

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NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

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NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commended the agency’s growing global relevance in counter-narcotics operations following its participation in a high-level maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.

Marwa praised the involvement of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, alongside operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.

He described Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a strong endorsement of the agency’s professionalism, operational capacity, and strategic importance in global anti-drug efforts.

According to Marwa, NDLEA officers’ participation in both conference sessions and joint exercises with the UK Border Force marks a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.

He noted that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations would boost the agency’s capability to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.

Marwa emphasised that such international engagements are essential in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding to evolving drug trafficking patterns. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to protect Nigeria and contribute to international drug control efforts.

Reacting to a report presented by the leader of the delegation, Aminu Jega, Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations, for their cooperation and support.

Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the conference held between March 4 and 12, 2026, said the visit aimed to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between Nigeria and relevant UK agencies.

He added that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to address emerging threats, enhance intelligence sharing, and develop collaborative operational strategies.

According to him, the NDLEA team also showcased the agency’s operational achievements during the event, attracting strong interest, constructive engagement, and commendation from participating international partners.

NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

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NHRC Demands End to Killings, Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators

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NHRC Demands End to Killings, Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to halt the wave of violent killings across the country, particularly the recent attacks in Jos.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and deeply disturbing.

He noted that the violence in Plateau State reflects a troubling pattern of attacks seen in other parts of the country, including Benue State, Kaduna State, and Zamfara State, where innocent citizens have continued to lose their lives.

“We strongly condemn these senseless killings and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” Ojukwu said, stressing that the right to life must be protected at all times.

The NHRC boss insisted that beyond condemnation, there must be immediate and concrete steps to end the violence and ensure accountability.

“Enough is enough. The government must act now to stop these atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice. The silence is deafening, and the lack of accountability is emboldening these attackers,” he stated.

Ojukwu further urged security agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property by deploying more personnel to affected communities to prevent further bloodshed.

He also called for thorough investigations into the attacks and the swift prosecution of those responsible, emphasizing that justice must not only be done but seen to be done as a deterrent.

The senior advocate highlighted the need to support victims and survivors, calling for adequate compensation, medical care, and protection for vulnerable populations affected by the violence.

While commending the efforts of the Plateau State Government so far, he maintained that more must be done to address the crisis.

Ojukwu also stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of recurring violence, including poverty, inequality, and hate speech, warning that failure to do so could lead to further instability.

“The NHRC will not relent in advocating for the protection of human rights in Nigeria. We demand justice for the victims and their families. The right to life is non-negotiable,” he said.

NHRC Demands End to Killings, Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators

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Military airstrikes eliminate scores of ISWAP terrorists in Borno operations

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Military airstrikes eliminate scores of ISWAP terrorists in Borno operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Precision air interdiction missions conducted by the Nigerian Air Force component of Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated scores of ISWAP terrorists in separate coordinated strikes at Kangarwa and Ali Jilamari areas of the Northern Tumbuns in Borno State.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were executed on April 1, following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The source said the first strike was carried out at about 12:05 p.m. on ISWAP enclaves in Kangarwa, a known terrorist stronghold, after ISR conducted on March 27 confirmed mass movement of fighters within the location.

According to him, airborne surveillance identified multiple terrorists operating around and inside structures within the enclave before precision munitions were delivered in successive attack passes.

He said the targeted structures were completely destroyed, with scores terrorists neutralised in the strike, while others scampered for safety in different direction.

In a separate operation at about 4:45 p.m. the same day, the air component conducted another interdiction mission at Ali Jilamari, described as a newly established terrorist hideout in the Northern Tumbuns.

The source said the mission followed credible human intelligence and ISR confirmation, which revealed active terrorist logistics hubs and structures within the area.

He added that the air platforms engaged the targets with precision strikes, destroying identified structures and logistics hubs while eliminating additional terrorists.

The source described the operations as part of sustained air offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and denying them freedom of movement in the Lake Chad Basin.

Military airstrikes eliminate scores of ISWAP terrorists in Borno operations

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