Gunmen attack Zamfara governor’s chief of staff, occupants escape unhurt

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Thursday evening opened fire on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Mouktar Lugga, along the Funtua–Gusau highway.

The incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. near Kucheri village while Lugga was returning to Gusau from an official engagement.

Sources said the assailants emerged from both sides of the road and opened fire on the vehicle conveying the chief of staff, his driver and two other occupants.

A bullet reportedly pierced the vehicle’s windshield and narrowly missed the driver, while another attacker attempted to fire at close range but the weapon failed to discharge.

Despite the attack, the driver managed to steer the vehicle out of the ambush, and all occupants escaped unhurt.

Gunmen attack Zamfara governor’s chief of staff, occupants escape unhurt

NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commended the agency’s growing global relevance in counter-narcotics operations following its participation in a high-level maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.

Marwa praised the involvement of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, alongside operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.

He described Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a strong endorsement of the agency’s professionalism, operational capacity, and strategic importance in global anti-drug efforts.

According to Marwa, NDLEA officers’ participation in both conference sessions and joint exercises with the UK Border Force marks a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.

He noted that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations would boost the agency’s capability to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.

Marwa emphasised that such international engagements are essential in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding to evolving drug trafficking patterns. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to protect Nigeria and contribute to international drug control efforts.

Reacting to a report presented by the leader of the delegation, Aminu Jega, Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations, for their cooperation and support.

Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the conference held between March 4 and 12, 2026, said the visit aimed to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between Nigeria and relevant UK agencies.

He added that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to address emerging threats, enhance intelligence sharing, and develop collaborative operational strategies.

According to him, the NDLEA team also showcased the agency’s operational achievements during the event, attracting strong interest, constructive engagement, and commendation from participating international partners.

NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

NHRC Demands End to Killings, Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to halt the wave of violent killings across the country, particularly the recent attacks in Jos.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and deeply disturbing.

He noted that the violence in Plateau State reflects a troubling pattern of attacks seen in other parts of the country, including Benue State, Kaduna State, and Zamfara State, where innocent citizens have continued to lose their lives.

“We strongly condemn these senseless killings and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” Ojukwu said, stressing that the right to life must be protected at all times.

The NHRC boss insisted that beyond condemnation, there must be immediate and concrete steps to end the violence and ensure accountability.

“Enough is enough. The government must act now to stop these atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice. The silence is deafening, and the lack of accountability is emboldening these attackers,” he stated.

Ojukwu further urged security agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property by deploying more personnel to affected communities to prevent further bloodshed.

He also called for thorough investigations into the attacks and the swift prosecution of those responsible, emphasizing that justice must not only be done but seen to be done as a deterrent.

The senior advocate highlighted the need to support victims and survivors, calling for adequate compensation, medical care, and protection for vulnerable populations affected by the violence.

While commending the efforts of the Plateau State Government so far, he maintained that more must be done to address the crisis.

Ojukwu also stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of recurring violence, including poverty, inequality, and hate speech, warning that failure to do so could lead to further instability.

“The NHRC will not relent in advocating for the protection of human rights in Nigeria. We demand justice for the victims and their families. The right to life is non-negotiable,” he said.

NHRC Demands End to Killings, Urges FG to Prosecute Perpetrators