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NDLEA arrests notorious drug dealer behind London-bound multiple consignments

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NDLEA arrests notorious drug dealer behind London-bound multiple consignments

NDLEA arrests notorious drug dealer behind London-bound multiple consignments

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday said it has arrested the mastermind of recent multiple attempts at exporting drugs through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos and some courier companies in the nation’s commercial city to London.

A statement by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the notorious drug dealer, Okoli Ikenna, has been apprehended by operatives of the agency.

Babafemi said the drug dealer has been on court bail following his arrest in November 2020 and subsequent arraignment before a Lagos Federal High Court for attempting to export 15.7 kilogrammes of methamphetamine to Australia. 

He said series of investigations into recent multiple attempts to export illicit drugs to the UK led to the arrest of the drug dealer on Tuesday 2nd November, when he was caught with 78 parcels of cannabis, concealed in black soap packs labelled as Dudu Osun, with a total weight of 12.25 kilogrammes heading to United Kingdom.

NDLEA arrests notorious drug dealer behind London-bound multiple consignments

The NDLEA spokesman said further investigation also revealed that Okoli is the one behind the attempt to export 7.35 kilogrammes of cannabis to the UK on Thursday 21st October, a consignment that was intercepted at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA.

He said curiously, a separate investigation by operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, of the agency, attached to courier companies have equally traced to Okoli, two other attempts to export 47.7 kilogrammes of cannabis to the UK through courier firms after his agents arrested in the course of investigation named him as the owner of the consignments.

In another development, desperate bids by traffickers to export over 2 kilogrammes of cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis hidden inside containers of body cream, tea bags, vehicle oil and air filters to London, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirate and New Zealand through two major courier firms in Lagos have been scuttled by narcotic officers of the NDLEA, Babafemi said.

He also said in Kano, a controlled delivery of an illicit consignment on Friday 5th November led to the arrest of two suspects; Ibrahim Sulaiman and Muhammad Alhassan with 23 kilogrammes of Diazepam tablets; 2 kilogrammes of Codeine syrup and 32kgs of Exol 5 tablets, bringing the total weight to 57 kilogrammes.

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Babafemi said earlier on Wednesday 3rd November, operatives of the Kano command of the NDLEA had arrested one Mizambilu Tijjani with 64 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa and Victor Nsodikwa Chu-chu, with 34 cartons of Pentazocine injection and one carton of Diazepam injection in Sabongari area of the city.

In Kogi state, operatives also seized a consignment containing 28.25 kilogrammes of Exol- 5; 6.6 kilogrammes of Barcadin Codeine Syrup; over 38.532 kilogrammes of Tramadol, bringing the total drugs seized to 73.8 kilogrammes. 

In a related development, operatives of the Osun state command have seized 130.5 kilogrammes of cannabis and 18 grammes of cocaine in Modakeke area of Ile-Ife.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), apparently impressed by the outcome of investigations that led to the dismantling of the drug syndicate led by Okoli in Lagos and all other clampdowns across the country, commended the officers and men of the MMIA command, DOGI and their counterparts in Kano, Kogi and Osun for sustaining the heat on the cartels across the country. 

He however urged them and their compatriots in other commands to intensify the offensive action against all “merchants of death in Nigeria”.

NDLEA arrests notorious drug dealer behind London-bound multiple consignments

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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