News
NDLEA, Military to Strengthen Synergy on Drug War
NDLEA, Military to Strengthen Synergy on Drug War
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian military has promised to strengthen its synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to curtail the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gusau when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
Marwa, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of the CDS for their loyalty, sacrifices and hard work to keep the country safe. He also thanked the military for supporting the agency in terms of logistics and training.
The anti-narcotics czar while emphasizing the significance of the partnership between the military and the NDLEA, said substance abuse is at the root of crimes and criminalities across the country.

He said: “The criminal elements rely on drugs to carry out their criminalities and that is why we have been very ferocious in our offensive action against them to cut access and availability of these illicit drugs.
“As a result, in about three years we have arrested 42,105 drug offenders, including 46 barons; seized 7,500 tons of drugs; 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed and 8, 350 offenders convicted while 29,400 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated within the same period.”
He therefore urged the armed forces to consider constructing central rehabilitation centre and creating rehab facilities in existing military hospitals to attend to the treatment of their personnel that may have issues of substance abuse.
Speaking earlier, the CDS commended Marwa and his management team for the great turn around on the drug war, which has positively changed the negative perception about Nigeria in the international community.
He assured of the continued support of the armed forces to NDLEA in its renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. He said the Agency’s efforts have motivated the military to introduce drug test as a requirement for training and promotion in the armed forces.
He said the nexus between drug abuse and insecurity cannot be over-emphasized, adding that if the nation is able to curb the scourge of substance abuse, the current security challenges would have been drastically reduced. He also said the menace must be tackled holistically while promising to consider the suggestion by the NDLEA boss for the military to have its own central rehabilitation centre.
The CDS said: “We know the challenges of drugs and how the use of illicit drugs has affected Nigeria’s name. And when Nigeria is mentioned abroad, everybody thinks about drugs, but you and your team have turned that around, at least now, people have seen that sense of sincerity in addressing the drug issue in Nigeria. We know it is not easy, because a lot of people have benefited so much from it and they will do anything to sustain their illicit businesses.
“I want to assure you that the members of Nigerian Armed Forces are fully behind you. We are proud of you and what you have been achieving and we will continue to support you until the menace of drugs is totally eliminated in the country. We know the influence of drug use and what it has done to us, creating a lot of issues all over the country, which is very alarming.
“Drug use has slipped into so many places, and for members of the Armed Forces; we’re not excluded. Now we have introduced as part of our recruitment processes and for our people to go for courses, they must take drug test, because this will ensure that personnel of the Armed Forces are doing the right thing and are in the right frame of mind. So, we’ll continue to do that and continue to intensify our efforts.
“”We have seen the number of arrests being made and how the world over now has seen that Nigeria is taking positive measures to address this drug issue, this I think is highly commendable. Theatre Commanders in the North East have seen the effect of drugs. Ideally, some people that will not even be able to carry a knife, when they take drugs, they carry a GPMG. So, this tells you what drugs do, it gives you a lot of fake confidence and with usage over time they become addicted and when they become addicted it becomes dangerous to them and they become a danger to everyone close to them.”
NDLEA, Military to Strengthen Synergy on Drug War
News
Outbreak of Malnutrition: EU Offers Support to Nigeria
Outbreak of Malnutrition: EU Offers Support to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The European Union Parliament has decried the perennial malnutrition crisis in Northern Nigeria, promising to stand by Nigeria in addressing the issue.
The promised was made in Wednesday evening by EU parliamentarians who paid a three-day visit to Nigeria.
The leader of a six-member delegation, David MacAllister during a press conference to round up their visit, also urged the three tiers of government to urgently face the health crisis.
MacAllister said: “At the same time, ladies and gentlemen, we are deeply concerned and deeply saddened by the malnutrition crisis, in particular in north-east and north-west Nigeria.
“The European Union stands with Nigeria and the affected populations, mainly children, with the humanitarian support of nearly €50 million this year.
“But a financial commitment from Nigeria’s federal and state governments is also urgently needed to face the crisis. Thousands of children are unemployed.”
He promised that the EU will follow up the situation. “We will certainly follow up in particular on those matters and in particular on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in north-western Nigeria,” added.
He pointed out that Nigeria matters to the EU being the most populous country on the continent and one of its major economies.
He added: “So we do hope that Nigeria can also contribute to play a leading role to strengthen the EU-EU relationship, in particular on the occasion of the EU-EU summit to be held in Angola at the end of November.
“When it comes to your great country, Nigeria, we in the European Union consider Nigeria a strategic partner.”
MacAllister said his stay in Nigeria has brought him closer to unravel some of the 5,000 puzzles about the country.
He quoted an English saying: “Well, I described Nigeria to me as a puzzle of 5,000 pieces, and we have certainly set the frame in the last 48 hours, and every conversation, every briefing, every meeting we had makes me add further pieces together. And what I have always realised is the good English saying, “what is seen is better than a hundred times read”.
He said this applies to Nigeria, adding “We have started to understand better, and our main message will be that we need to be in continued engagement with the European Parliament, not only with the largest country in Africa, but also with democracy.
“Nigeria may not be a perfect democracy. Indeed, in the actual governance, you know that yourself, but this country is a democracy, and that’s why we highly respected our colleagues we met today from the different political parties, and we’re very honoured to not only be received by the President of the Senate, but also by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
On the European Union-African Union summit holding in Angola next month, MacAllister said “European Parliament has adopted a resolution, a particular resolution last week in Strasbourg, where the draft version, which was finally adopted between the political groups after three days of negotiations with a broad majority, kind of underlines the European Parliament’s expectation towards this summit.”
He also added: “We would like to see concrete results. We want to foster trade between Europe and Africa. We want to make our development cooperation as effective as possible, and we strongly, in the European Parliament, across party lines, believe that the future of Europe and the future of Africa are so closely linked to each other.
“Your success and the success of Africa will also be our success in Europe and vice versa.
Also speaking, the Head of EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot said EU’s interest is to have a prosperous Nigeria.
Explaining why the EU has been magnanimous to Nigeria albeit ECOWAS, Mignot said “Of course we are doing this also because it is in our interest. Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable and democratic West Africa and in particular the main country in West Africa and in the African continent and Nigeria.
“And also, of course, we need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values that we are sharing, defence of natural resources in particular, on the world scene. And we need Nigeria also to make business. We need Nigeria to manage, to gather migration flows. “This is what we are doing. So we have common interests and of course this is what our partnership is based on. Nigeria matters, Nigeria matters to the European Union and our message returning to Europe, returning to Brussels will be that we believe it is time for the European Union to engage more with and in Nigeria.”
On the issue of malnutrition, the envoy said EU teams are in contact with partners who are operating different states like Katsina and Sokoto for instance, in particular in the North-West of the country.
He added: “And they ‘ve been recently on the field, so what we see is that there are still many, many families coming, mothers with babies, with children in states of severe acute malnutrition and these children are in danger of dying and some of them have died. I’ve seen myself a few weeks ago when I went to Katsina and there are also many families that do not reach these centres because they don’t know of their existence or they are just too far away to reach them. So there is really a necessity to make sure that there is no breakup in the chain of supply of the therapeutic food, which is absolutely indispensable and this requires additional funding from international donors or from national donors.
“We have seen how some state governments, Katsina for instance, have become more aware of the necessity of addressing the situation, but we need real efforts from all sides to inform the reaction to this crisis.
“So it’s very important to mobilise the necessary funds to address this situation.”
Then on the question on cooperation between the European Union and ECOWAS, he said :Our cooperation is rooted in shared values such as mutual integration, good governance and economic growth. The partnership has evolved to cover a wide range of areas including security, trade, migration and institutional capacity building. I want to underline that the European Union has supported ECOWAS through financial aid, technical assistance and political dialogue, particularly in conflict prevention, counter-terrorism and also intellectual processes.
“The EU provides support to ECOWAS regional peace, security and stability mandate to build and maintain peace, security and stability in the region to ensure conditions of development.”
Outbreak of Malnutrition: EU Offers Support to Nigeria
International
France, Italy Collaborates with Nigeria to Boost Human Trafficking Fight
France, Italy Collaborates with Nigeria to Boost Human Trafficking Fight
…Launch Common Operational Partnership Project
By: Michael Mike
The French and Italian governments, in conjunction with Nigerian government have launched the Common Operational Partnership (COP Nigeria) Project aimed at combating human trafficking.
Speaking at the official launch of the project in Abuja, the Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello said: “Today’s event marks yet another milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. It is a moment of renewed collaboration, shared commitment, and forward-looking action.
“Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the migration dynamics of West Africa. As a country of origin, transit, and destination, we continue to grapple with multifaceted and evolving challenges — from human trafficking and migrant smuggling to related transnational crimes such as sexual exploitation, document forgery, and drug trafficking.”
Bello, who was represented at the Launch by the agency’s Director, Research and Programme Development, Josiah Emerole, noted that: “Over the years, NAPTIP has made remarkable progress in its five cardinal areas of intervention — Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. However, we are fully aware that the changing nature of trafficking and smuggling necessitates continuous innovation, deeper collaboration, and the strengthening of institutional capacities across all levels.”
She said: “The Common Operational Partnership (COP) initiative, implemented by the Government of France with the support of Italian Ministry of Interior, represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate our achievements and introduce evidence-based, context-specific approaches to tackling these crimes in Nigeria.
@Built around four key pillars — Joint Needs Assessment, Training and Mentoring, Operational Support, and Geographic Focus — the COP Project provides a comprehensive framework to enhance investigation, prosecution, and victim-centered interventions. Equally important, it will promote effective intelligence sharing, joint operations, and operational synergy among NAPTIP’s zonal commands and our regional partners in West Africa.”
She disclosed that: “The project will commence with pilot implementation in 3 target States — Cross River, Osun, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — all strategically positioned along high-risk trafficking and migration corridors. These routes have witnessed increasing volumes of irregular movement and emerging trafficking trends aimed at accessing developed countries. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and sustained action, which this initiative aptly supports.”
Bello added that today’s launch is not merely ceremonial. It is a clear statement of intent — a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment, through NAPTIP and in partnership with our international allies, to dismantle trafficking networks, disrupt smuggling operations, and uphold the dignity and rights of every human being.
She acknowledged the contributions of
the Government of France, CIVIPOL, the Italian Ministry of Interior, the European Union, and all other partners for their unwavering support, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment to this success of the project
She said: “Your collaboration reinforces the spirit of shared responsibility and global solidarity in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.”
She added that: “As we formally launch this project today, I urge all stakeholders to remain united and focused on our shared vision. Together, we can make the Common Operational Partnership not only a model of success for Nigeria but also a benchmark for regional cooperation and best practices across West Africa.”
Speaking on the project, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot said the official launch of the Common Operational Partnership
France-Italy-Nigeria project is a milestone in our shared commitment to combat trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of migrants.
He said. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to developing this initiative, including CIVIPOL, whose leadership and experience with the COP model is proving fundamental in providing expert coordination to the project, the International Security Cooperation
Directorate (DCIS) of the French Ministry of Interior and the Italian Ministry of Interior, whose technical expertise and coordination support will be crucial for the project’s success; and finally, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), in particular the
Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), for their management support.”
He added that: “As you well know, Nigeria occupies a central position in this global challenge. It remains a source,
transit, and destination country for trafficking and smuggling, with well-established networks along the main migration routes. These rings exploit the most vulnerable, undermine security, and
violate fundamental rights. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and the renewed EU action plan against migrant smuggling (2021-2025) call for a comprehensive response and an even closer
cooperation along the migratory routes to dismantle criminal networks while safeguarding migrants’ dignity. The initiative we are launching today reflects that vision.”
He noted that: “The Common Operational Partnership France–Italy–Nigeria Project is a concrete step forward. Running until June 2027, with a budget of €1.43 million (93% co-funded by the European Union), it aims to achieve two objectives: first, to enhance NAPTIP’s capacity to dismantle trafficking and smuggling networks while protecting victims; and second, to strengthen regional and international cooperation against these crimes.
“Its methodology is practical and results-driven: a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by tailored training, equipment provision, and daily mentoring. This approach builds trust and ensures sustainable impact.”
Speaking also, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier said: “The project we are launching today is both concrete and ambitious. It is action–oriented and forward–looking. It aims to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies, particularly NAPTIP, to improve information sharing, encourage joint investigation, and ensure coordinated support for victims”.
In her goodwill message, the Head, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Isabelle Wolfsgruber, assured that the Centre shall continue to partner with state and non-state actors in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
The project is co-funded by the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership facility. It will be implemented by CIVIPOL and NAPTIP.
End
News
NANS Warns Against Political Interference In The Attempted Assassination Case Of Chief Benard Jagboro
NANS Warns Against Political Interference In The Attempted Assassination Case Of Chief Benard Jagboro
By Daniel Dafe
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed deep concern over the recent attempt on the life of one of the patrons of NANS, Chief Benard Jagboro, which occurred in Okwokoko, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
Comr. Jeremiah Ohomah, National Financial Secretary, NANS, who said this in a statement on Wednesday, commended the swift and diligent response of the Nigeria Police Force, who promptly tracked and arrested the suspects involved in the dastardly act.
NANS also said that “it is also on record that arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation, a clear indication of the gravity of the crime and the professionalism displayed by the security operatives.”
According to the statement, “NANS has received credible reports that the case and the arrested suspects—originally scheduled for transfer to Abuja for proper investigation and prosecution—have been stalled following an alleged intervention by a yet-to-be-named political figure and a serving Minister,” saying that “this development, if true, is a grave threat to justice and a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.”
“On this premise, the leadership of NANS strongly warns against any form of political interference aimed at aiding or abetting criminals. We will not sit idly by while individuals in positions of authority attempt to pervert justice or shield perpetrators of violence from accountability,” the statement said.
The statement said further: “The Association reiterates its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice for Chief Benard Jagboro and demands that the police be allowed to carry out their constitutional duty without undue influence or intimidation. Any attempt to obstruct justice will be met with firm resistance from the Nigerian student community.”
NANS also called on the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities “to ensure that this case is handled transparently and that justice is not only done but seen to be done.”
NANS Warns Against Political Interference In The Attempted Assassination Case Of Chief Benard Jagboro
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