News
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state have stated that for Nigeria to defeat the twin evil of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, Nigerians must rise in unison to stamp out the scourge from communities and cities across the country.
They agreed on this in their remarks when the NDLEA boss paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House in Asaba during his three-day working visit which ended on Friday.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said Marwa while explaining his mission to the governor and members of his executive council at the executive chamber of the Government House where he was received along with senior NDLEA officials who accompanied him.
Marwa said he was visiting Delta to personally condole the family of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina over the tragedy of the unintended death of young Ivan and the wounding of his brother, Eromosele, as a result of a ricocheted bullet that strayed 600 metres away from the scene of an NDLEA encounter with some notorious drug dealers on 13th July in Asaba.
He said he was equally in the state to assess the operational needs of the Delta state command and Delta Ports command of the Agency with a view to mobilizing officers and men of the two formations to go all out for drug cartels operating in the state. He also added that his third mission was to rally stakeholders key to a successful fight against the drug menace in Delta with a 2018 prevalence rate of 18%.
He said with a projected rate of 40% rise in drug abuse in Africa by 2030, all well meaning Nigerians and organisations must unite behind the anti-narcotics agency in its ongoing renewed efforts in drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.
Marwa, while encouraging the governor to intensify his poverty alleviation programmes to address youth unemployment, which is a major trigger for substance abuse, asked for logistics support for the two Commands in the state, setting up of drug control committees from state, to local government and community levels as well as provision of rehabilitation centres in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.
He commended the governor for his good works within a short time in office and his commitment to the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
In his response, Oborevwori celebrated Marwa for always providing quality leadership and unflinching dedication to duty in all national assignments assigned to him.
According to him, “We know your antecedents as military governor in Borno and Lagos state. And under your leadership, NDLEA has recorded successes, going after drug cartels. This momentum must be sustained if we have to win the war against illicit drugs.”
While saying the drug scourge has become a public health issue globally and in Nigeria, which needs urgent and proactive actions, the governor assured the agency of his support and partnership to rid the state of the menace. He thanked Marwa for showing empathy and prompt response to the July fatal incident. The governor said “Nigerians are appreciative of what you’re doing in NDLEA, please don’t relent and don’t be discouraged. Those involved in the illicit drug business must be dealt with.”
The NDLEA had earlier in a separate meeting with chairmen of local government councils in the state sought their support and collaboration as the agency was preparing to deploy personnel to LGs across the country beginning from the first quarter of 2024. He urged them to set up drug control committees in their councils and down to communities and wards for the purpose of cascading war against drug abuse, WADA, advocacy messages to the grassroots.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of Ughelli South local council, Dr. Koffi Richard told the NDLEA boss “we’ll give you any level of support at the LGs because you’re someone we’ve been looking up to for years. We’re willing to collaborate with you and your officers because we want peace and security in our respective LGs.”
In another meeting with the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien and other traditional rulers and chiefs in his palace, Marwa urged them to set up drug control committees in their domains while asking for their partnership in the fight against illicit drugs. The respected monarch assured the NDLEA chairman of the readiness of the traditional institution to support his efforts because “the subject matter of your visit is of great importance to us and Nigeria as a whole.”
The NDLEA boss and his team also visited the home of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina where he again assured the family of continued support over the death of Ivan and the plan to fly Eromosele abroad for further treatment. The family expressed appreciation for the visit and support.
End
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from a fleeing suspect.
Zagazola learnt that the recovery was made at about 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2026, during a routine patrol along the Kauru–Unguwan Ganye Road.
Security sources said the patrol team received intelligence about a suspicious motorcycle rider heading toward the area.
Following the tip-off, the operatives immediately mounted a snap roadblock along the route.
On sighting the checkpoint, the rider reportedly abandoned his motorcycle, dropped a bag and fled into nearby bush paths.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with its breach number filed off, one magazine and one 6.2mm live ammunition.
Security personnel have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.
Zagazola reports that the explosion was heard on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
Sources said that the suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, 60, of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly admitted to placing the suspected explosives in the secretariat complex.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect claimed he sought to draw attention from the State Government due to perceived neglect.
The sources said that the area has been cordoned off, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, along with CBRN specialists, are conducting thorough sweeps of the complex. Authorities confirmed that the situation is currently under control, and investigations are ongoing.
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
By: Michael Mike
The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has hosted a powerful screening of “Scars the Movie” alongside an intensive filmmaking workshop in Abuja, using cinema as a platform to confront social injustice and strengthen Nigeria–Korea cultural relations.
The event brought together filmmakers, actors, students and culture enthusiasts for a thought-provoking exploration of forced marriage, gender inequality and the transformative power of storytelling.
Scars the Movie follows the journey of Hasia, a 16-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a doctor, whose aspirations are crushed when her father forces her into marriage to settle a debt. Married off to an older wealthy man, she endures abuse, repeated miscarriages and isolation, while her education and independence are stripped away. The film lays bare the harsh intersection of poverty, patriarchy and silence that continues to affect vulnerable girls.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of KCCN Abuja, Mr. Jeon Ju-ho, described the screening as deeply significant, noting that it addresses an issue that transcends borders.
“Today is of immense importance because it speaks about life — and not just life, but the life of a girl child,” he said. “A child forced into the role of a woman, and brutally so. These are conversations we must not avoid.”
He emphasized that film remains one of the most powerful tools for sparking dialogue and social reflection.
Director-General of KADIFF, Israel Audu, explained that the film was deliberately selected to spotlight challenges prevalent in parts of northern Nigeria.
“Hasia’s story represents the painful reality faced by many young girls whose dreams are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and cultural pressure,” Audu said. “This film exposes the emotional and generational scars such practices leave behind.”
Beyond the screening, participants engaged in a practical workshop covering directing, acting and cinematography, designed to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria’s fast-growing film industry.
Audu noted that the partnership between KADIFF and KCCN reflects a broader commitment to creative collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea. He said cultural exchanges — from film festivals to K-drama, K-pop, language classes, Taekwondo and culinary programs — have helped build mutual understanding between both nations.
According to him, more than 300,000 Nigerians have participated in Korean cultural programmes, gaining new skills and global exposure.
“These collaborations are not just about entertainment,” he said. “They are about knowledge transfer, talent development and economic opportunity. By sharing filmmaking techniques and nurturing creative talent, we can develop a richer, blended cinematic identity.”
The event underscored how film can serve as both a mirror and a bridge — reflecting societal challenges while connecting cultures across continents.
As discussions continue around protecting the rights of the girl-child and expanding Nigeria’s creative economy, stakeholders say partnerships like this demonstrate how art, when supported by international cooperation, can inspire change and deepen diplomatic ties.
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Farmer killed, another injured in herder attack in Yobe
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
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