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NDLEA seized over N450 billion drugs, others from barons, traffickers in less than 2 years

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NDLEA seized over N450 billion drugs, others from barons, traffickers in less than 2 years

NDLEA seized over N450 billion drugs, others from barons, traffickers in less than 2 years

By Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a total drug and non-drug seizures of over N450 billion from drug traffickers and barons within the last 22 months.

Also within the same period of time seizures of over 100 million pills of pharmaceutical opioid, tramadol that could have impacted negatively on the youth population and national productivity in Nigeria, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja

Marwa made the disclosure during the Commands Awards/Commendations and decoration of newly promoted officers at the agency’s National Headquarters.

According to him, “Within the period under review, the agency arrested 23,907 drug traffickers including 29 barons. Our seizure was over 5,500 tons or 5.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs, which together with cash seized are worth over N450 billion.

“In the same period, we have taken the fight to the doorsteps of cannabis growers by destroying 772. 5 hectares of cannabis farms. In these 22 months, we have record convictions of 3, 434 offenders. We have equally made good strides in our drug demand reduction efforts where the number of those counselled and rehabilitated is 16,114.

“The figures are mere statistics until you view them through the lens of human impact and the good or harm that could have come to society, the impact on public health, security as well as law and order if those dangerous drugs had gone to the street. Take, for instance, the one hundred million pills of tramadol seized in the past 22 months. If those pills had gone into circulation and ended up in the hands of young people, it would take a heavy toll on lives, families, productivity and, ultimately, the GDP of the country because it will affect these young people who are the engine room of productivity.”

Marwa while justifying the reason behind the award and promotion of staff, said “there is no gainsaying that our dedication to duty has been the driving force behind our good performance; at the same time, it is also not an exaggeration to say that our good performance is catalysed by motivation. As proven right by events in the past 24 months, management’s decision to deploy multipronged motivational mechanism to improve the organisation’s work ethic is part of the recipe for the resurgence of the agency and the resultant spectacular performance.

“On that score, management is committed to doing everything possible to improve productivity on the job. Part of that effort is why we are here today, namely the Commands Awards and Commendations.

“We usually calculate our performance as monthly, quarterly or yearly appraisals. But drug law enforcement is generally a continuum, hence, I am wont to always appraise our efforts from January 2021, when we began far-reaching reforms, reviewed our strategies and rejigged the existing systems to accommodate innovations.

“From then till now, we have been on an upward trajectory. And indeed, what we have done in the last 22 months, from January 2021 to October 2022, based on the available statistics, is cause for celebration.”

Marwa while praising President Muhammadu Buhari for his relentless support for the Agency to succeed in its given assignment, led the gathering to offer a birthday song to celebrate the President on his 80th birthday.

He charged the officers who were promoted and those who got commendation awards to rededicate themselves while assuring others with such expectations to be hopeful.
“I charge you to take this award as a testament to your professional progress. Beyond that, that you are here today should also be taken as a challenge to surpass your record every quarter and to be resolute to always be part of this bi-annual ceremony.

He said the second leg of this ceremony pertains to the decoration of some officers that were recently promoted. Last year, 3,506 officers were promoted. This year, a total of 1,018 officers have been promoted to new ranks including two DCGN, 17 ACGN, 29 CN, 78 DCN and 111 ACN. Others are 63 CSN, 106 SN, 129 DSN, 25 ASN I, 400 ASN II, 9 CNA, 44 SNA, 3 NA and 2 NAS I.

He noted that: “Promotion is a reward for industry, diligence and dedication. It is earned on merit, not given as gratis, and at times, it is subject to vacancy. What that means is that it is not everybody that deserves a promotion that gets it. From certain ranks, there is a limited vacancy in upward mobility. That brings me to this important point: to those whose expectations were not met in the just concluded promotion and harmonisation exercise, I am saying that the process is still on going as management is working to address some complaints. We will continue to put everyone concerned into consideration as soon as there are openings at the higher level.”

He however charged the officers not to rest on their oars while also urging them to abstain from any action that could undermine the collective interest of the agency in ridding the country of illicit substance abuse and trafficking. “I am obligated to give kudos for the good job you have done this year. This year’s performance is a testament to the fact that what we achieved last year was not a fluke. I enjoined us to keep up the good work, but remember, we are on a long journey, there is still long mileage to cover and there is room for improvement.
“Importantly, do not abuse the trust reposed in us by the public. I want to assure you that management is taking care of your welfare, professionalism and work entitlement.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has done this in terms of welfare packages with his approval of a number of incentives. The barrack project is also in full swing. These are indications that the future is bright for NDLEA officers. Therefore, we cannot afford to have officers that cross the lines in terms of temptations. You have got nothing to fear whether now or in retirement because we now have a good welfare package that should take care of you and your family on the job or in retirement.”

NDLEA seized over N450 billion drugs, others from barons, traffickers in less than 2 years

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Crime

Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect

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Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect

By:Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 4 under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered the decomposing body of a kidnapped community leader, Alhaji Lawal Abubakar Wakili of Kekong, during a search-and-rescue operation in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 070930A on May 6 when troops, in collaboration with local residents, conducted a coordinated search within the fringes of Kurra, Jokko hills and surrounding bush areas.

The victim was reportedly abducted earlier at Gashish, prompting sustained search operations by troops and community members in the area.

Following the recovery of the body, tensions reportedly rose in parts of the community, with aggrieved residents demanding the release of suspects earlier arrested in connection with the kidnapping.

The sources said troops quickly brought the situation under control through engagement and assurance that due process and justice would be followed in handling the case.

In a related development, one Chiroma Bello Abdulkarim, 67, of Ningon village in Gashish District, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of the victim.

He is currently in custody undergoing investigation alongside other suspects linked to the incident.

Security operatives said calm had been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to track additional suspects believed to be connected to the crime.

They added that investigation was being intensified to uncover the circumstances surrounding the abduction and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect

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Crime

Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community

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Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 34 cattle following a reported case of farm destruction at Zobwo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the troops were mobilised at about 070645A on May 6 after receiving a report of alleged malicious destruction of an irrigation farm with machetes by suspected herders in the area.

On arrival at the scene, the troops assessed the situation and subsequently conducted a follow-up operation around a nearby settlement identified as Tafi Gana within the same local government area.

During the operation, the herders reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning their cattle.

The sources said the troops recovered 34 cattle from the settlement and moved them to a secure location for further necessary action.

They added that calm had since been restored in the affected area, while efforts were ongoing to ensure proper handling of the recovered livestock in line with established procedures.

Security presence has been maintained in the general area to prevent further escalation and to forestall possible reprisal incidents.

Authorities said investigation into the incident had commenced to establish circumstances surrounding the reported farm destruction and the ownership of the recovered cattle.

Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community

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Crime

Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage

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Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage

By: Michael Mike

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for continuation of hearing in a suit filed by a passenger, Mr. Amechi Michael, against British Airways over alleged missing carry-on luggage.

At the resumed hearing, the plaintiff was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr. John Godwin, who held the brief of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Folorunsho Majiyagbe.

During cross-examination, Amechi told the court that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer care service and was subsequently referred to the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution for resolution.

According to him, the arbitrator issued an award in his favour regarding the delayed flight but did not address the issue of the allegedly missing carry-on luggage.

The plaintiff further informed the court that he rejected the arbitral award because he was dissatisfied with the outcome and thereafter approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking redress over the alleged loss of the luggage.

Amechi argued that the airline owed him a duty of care to return the luggage and alleged that members of the airline’s staff acted negligently after a cabin crew member reportedly requested that the bag be handed over for safekeeping during a delayed boarding process.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ms. Abiola Olaitan and Mr. Shuaib O. Hammed of Parvina Partners, informed the court of their intention to close the plaintiff’s case.

Presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, subsequently adjourned the matter until July 2 for the defence to open its case and continuation of trial.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025, seeks recovery of the plaintiff’s carry-on luggage allegedly lost while in the custody of the airline.

The case stems from an international trip during which the plaintiff alleged that his hand luggage was taken from him by airline personnel during a delayed boarding process with assurances that it would be kept safely and returned upon arrival.

However, according to court filings, the luggage was allegedly not returned after the flight, prompting repeated complaints to the airline and subsequent dispute resolution efforts.

The dispute later moved to the arbitration stage after the passenger was referred to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in the United Kingdom, a mechanism frequently used by international airlines to handle customer complaints outside the courtroom.

While the arbitration process reportedly awarded compensation connected to the delayed flight, the plaintiff maintained that the core issue relating to the missing carry-on luggage remained unresolved, leading to the present legal action before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit is one of several recent cases highlighting growing concerns among Nigerian air travellers over passenger rights, airline accountability and compensation claims involving delayed flights, lost baggage and customer care disputes within the international aviation sector.

Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage

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