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NDLEA Launches National Drug Control Master Plan

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NDLEA Launches National Drug Control Master Plan

NDLEA Launches National Drug Control Master Plan

By: Our Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched the (NDCMP) 2021 to 2025 in Abuja. 

This was in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Speaking at the launch of the strategic document, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig General Buba Marwa (Retd.), said the five-year national action plan would address the drug problem and its associated consequences in the country. 

He said the masterplan, built on four major pillars, addresses the drug issues in a comprehensive, balanced, human rights-focused and gender-responsive manner. 

The NDLEA boss, who was represented by the Secretary of the agency, Shadrach Haruna, said there has been three previous blueprints in the past and the NDCMP 2021-2025, the fourth and newest version, is built on the foundation of the three previous editions. 

Marwa said: “I wish to start this remark by acknowledging the support of the European Union through the “Response to Drugs and Related Organised Crime in Nigeria” project (NGAV 16) and the UNODC for its enormous support to drug control activities and especially to the development of NDCMP 2021-2025, which is best described as a pragmatic “road map” to achieving our national drug control goals.”

He said: “The NDCMP is a five-year national action plan that addresses the drug problem and its associated consequences. There have been three previous blueprints, namely the inaugural 1999-2004 edition, the second edition covering the period 2008 to 2013, and the 2015–2020 document. NDCMP 2021-2025, the fourth and newest version, is built on the foundation of the three previous editions.

“This fourth edition of the NDCMP―which rests on four strategic pillars of Supply Reduction, Drug Demand Reduction, Access to Controlled Medicines for Medical and Scientific Purposes, Governance and Coordination―addresses the drug issues in a comprehensive, balanced, human rights-focused and gender-responsive manner.”

 He added that: “Aside from its functionality, NDCMP 2021-2025 is symbolic of the continuity and advancement in the effort of the Nigerian government to address the evolving drug situation. It is the outcome of two years of coordinated, collaborative and multi-agency efforts comprising experts from all the relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Civil Society Organisations.

“An effective campaign against the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit substances requires a result-oriented, proactive and all-encompassing Modus Operandi that is consistent with globally acceptable practices and standards. NDCMP 2021-2025 provides the needed fillip concerning strategic direction, effective prioritization of issues, collaboration and inclusiveness of all relevant partners and stakeholders.

“At this juncture, I wish to unequivocally state that I do not doubt that when the mechanisms, methodologies and strategic outlines of NDCMP 2021–2015 are implemented, we would substantially win the war against abuse and trafficking of controlled drugs and illicit substances.”

The anti-narcotics czar said: “Also, with the expected active support and collaboration of all stakeholders, we would, in addition to drastically reducing the drug scourge, also effectively mitigate the harm caused by the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs. Our ultimate objective is to promote the health, security and wellbeing of all living in Nigeria. This document is our roadmap to achieving those goals. NDCMP 2021-2025 is like a steering wheel for all the drug control campaigns currently going on in the country. The document not only addresses germane issues but also fills the identified gaps in the ongoing responses.

“I also need to say this, that without the consistent backing of the Federal Government and other supportive entities we would not have reached the point where we are today. Therefore, I sincerely wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the strong support and commitment towards the development of this very important strategic document.”

 He said the immense appreciation of the agency goes to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for his encouragement and dedication at various stages of articulating the NDCMP 2021–2025 and to 

the members of the National Assembly, particularly, the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics as well as the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs.

Marwa said the participation and input of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that make up the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control and other relevant stakeholders are duly acknowledged and applauded.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who launched the document, said it was central to Nigeria’s approach to tackling the menace of drug abuse. 

Also Read: Igbos will not beg for Presidency in 2023 – Southeast…

Malami, who was represented by Mr Biodun Aikhomu, said the present administration is committed to decisively dealing with the problem of drug abuse in the country. 

Country Representative of UNODC, Mr Oliver Stolpe, said he hoped that the latest masterplan would have more impact than the past plan.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of the NDLEA as well as the agency’s partners in tackling the problem of drug abuse. 

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, who was also on hand at the occasion, said the country’s future is imperiled except the growing menace of drug abuse is checked

He said the launch of the masterplan is of serious significance in the battle against the devastating effects of drug abuse. 

On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, expressed worry over the growing number of women and girls abusing drugs.

She said it was a dangerous trend that should be halted as the country cannot make any progress except the problem of drug abuse is addressed.

NDLEA Launches National Drug Control Master Plan

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.

The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.

However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.

Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.

“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.

No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

By: Michael Mike

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.

The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.

The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.

The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.

According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.

The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.

It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End

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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

By: Michael Mike

A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.

Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.

Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.

He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.

“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.

“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.

According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.

Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.

He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.

He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.

“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.

“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.

In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.

Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.

He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.

“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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