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NDLEA Relocates to New Headquarters in Abuja

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NDLEA Relocates to New Headquarters in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has relocated its headquarters to its new facility, which is being developed in phases in Jahi area of Abuja.

A statement by the spokesperson of the agency, Femi Babafemi said the facility, which is the first phase of the national headquarters project expected to be completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions, was officially unveiled during an interdenominational service within the complex on Wednesday.

Speaking during the brief ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the development represents a phase in the transformation and recalibration of NDLEA into a modern and result-oriented anti-narcotic agency, a process that began in January 2021.

He said: “I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will be able to complete the process with next year budget. This is not 100% completed but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to move in before the end of 2024 because with the expansion of the Agency the headquarters also expanded, and in our old location we could not accommodate everyone. I have had to post out scores of officers due to lack of space for them to work.

“It was for this reason that the management took a unanimous decision that since it is not 100% ready and we need it, we should make it a low-key inauguration ceremony. This will enable us relocate some of our directorates still operating outside Abuja into one facility to consolidate our operations for efficiency, effectiveness and seamless coordination”, Marwa stated.

He disclosed that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex, the NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the Agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

He said: “The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more and I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats.”

He commended his predecessor for starting the process of getting a befitting headquarters for the agency.

In his welcome remark, Secretary to the agency, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership that has in three years transformed NDLEA into the same class with its counterparts across the world in terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.

He said: “The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021, including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers, the recent amendment of the ange enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more.

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for President Tinubu and Nigeria while a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

NDLEA Relocates to New Headquarters in Abuja

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KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development

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KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.

The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.

KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.

“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.

“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.

“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.

“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.

“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.

Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.

“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”

KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development

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Crime

Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack

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Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.

One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.

Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack

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Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home

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Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.

However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.

Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.

Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home

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