National News
Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has warned that Nigerian government would not tolerate any form of foreign interference in the ongoing protest in the country.
The Minister said the government will deal with any entity within the country found to have directly or indirectly supported the protest.
He however assured Nigerians and the world at large that President Bola Tinubu understands the pains and frustration driving the protest and is doing everything to address them.
He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the pain and frustration that drive the protests and has assured that his government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of Nigerians. He has appealed particularly to the youths and advised them not to let violence and destruction tear the country apart. While admitting that there have been many dashed hopes in the past, he affirmed that Nigeria is in a new era of Renewed Hope as the government is working hard, and that the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“Consequently, the President has directed that the security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in the country in line with the necessary conventions on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory, as the safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.
“Members of the diplomatic corps, I have provided you with a lot of detail, and some of the facts and figures that reflect where we are and what we, as a responsible, elected government, are trying to do. But this is about more than the numbers. The President led the campaign against military dictatorship in the 1990s and believes in a democracy, in Nigeria’s democracy that freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to dissent are fundamental.
“But Nigeria is a country under the rule of law. No one can tolerate the thuggish behaviour of fringe elements and those who stand behind them.
“While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.
“The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your individual countries and organizations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships. Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
Also addressing the Diplomatic corps, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the government respects the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, which are cornerstones of all democratic societies, but stressed that what began as a peaceful protest in some States and the Federal Capital Territory, was soon hijacked by elements who infiltrated the protest and orchestrated violent activities that destroyed lives and properties.
He said: “There were reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes with law enforcement agents in several cities. Tragically, these incidents led to the loss of innocent lives and significant damage to properties.
“In response to these unforeseen events, the Federal Government acted swiftly to restore peace and order. It is important to emphasize that the security forces were instructed to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international standards in managing civil protests.
“They have indeed put in a lot of work to ensure the safety of all law-abiding Nigerians, and to maintain order, in the last week. But they have also been decisive in their response to criminality, and it is important to separate these from their commendable approach to legitimate protests,” he said.
He assured the Diplomatic Community that it was not the primary focus of the administration to impose hardship on Nigerians but to correct poor policies and dysfunctional choices of the past.
He said President Tinubu is determined to implement reforms that would drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens, stressing that the current challenges are only temporary.
“It is important to kick off on this note: that President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians. He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems; with the determination to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.
“The President assumed office during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods in its history, where the country was spending 97% of all its revenue on debt service; coupled with widespread poverty, rising unemployment, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity. Faced with these daunting realities, the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse,” he said.
The Minister said for decades, the costly, wasteful and unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had denied Nigeria the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure, social service, and the welfare of its citizens hence the President took a very painful decision to abolish the fuel subsidy and redirect the funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens’ well-being and the development of the country.
He said the President was not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains – situation that informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains.
“We have been very determined about ensuring that these interventions are fully implemented, and bring the intended relief to Nigerians,” he stated.
Idris, while informing the Diplomatic Community that the worst is over, said the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that occurred during the protest in order to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.
“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future,” he said.
Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
National News
Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels
Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has warned drug barons, traffickers and their cartels to quit the criminal trade or face more hard time during his second tenure.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu for a second tenure of five years on Friday told jubilating management staff, officers, men and women of the agency who gathered to welcome him at NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja following the presidential announcement that his second tenure will be hell and bleak for those who fail to quit the illicit drug trade.
He expressed appreciation to the president for the recognition of ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
He said: “First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much. We would like to thank the almighty God, because always the glory has to go to Him for everything. We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men and women of the agency, who continue to provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks that you all face.”
He also acknowledged the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun while also expressing thanks to “all our local and international partners, with whom we have continued to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”
He added that: “First, this word must go to the cartels. The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment towards President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that “in line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.
“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illicit drug trafficking that this is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. It is in line with that that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to persuade those who are perpetrating the illicit drug activities, particularly cannabis growers, who are our greatest challenge in Nigeria, to desist from the habit, collaborate with us. We are going to support towards licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed.
“But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left.”
He also assured that the agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts. “I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres. And with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state to have its own rehab centre.
“And as well, there will be zonal rehab, more rehab centres and we are getting full collaboration from the Honourable Minister of Health. We appreciate his efforts also, and the Honourable Minister of Education, who has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children on admission to tertiary institutions, so that with this we can catch them young before it gets into addiction stage. May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those that are supporting us, bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA.”
Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels
India High Commission, KADIFF Screen Short Movies in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
High Commission of India, in collaboration with the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) has organized a special short Movie Screening and Panel Discussion.
The event, which held at the Chancery premises, was inaugurated by High Commissioner Amb Abhishek Singh, and brought together a vibrant cross-section of participants from the diplomatic community, including Heads of Mission, members of the Nollywood fraternity, film professionals, cultural enthusiasts, influencers, and friends of India.
The evening featured the screening of two thought-provoking short films — the Indian short film “Good Morning”, and the Nigerian film “Not So Long a Letter”.
Following the screenings, a lively panel discussion was held on the theme: “Celebration of our rich cultural heritage and the need for collaboration.”
The panelists, including Swat Duniah-Adalumo – Moderator (Journalist), Dr. Ahmed Sarari (Filmmaker), Francis Duru (Actor/Filmmaker) and Stephnora Okere (Actress/filmmaker) exchanged insights on how cinema can deepen mutual understanding, promote cross-cultural narratives, and foster creative partnerships between the Indian and Nigerian film industries.
The initiative was part of the High Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India-Nigeria cultural relations and promote Indian cinema through shared artistic expressions and storytelling traditions”
India High Commission, KADIFF Screen Short Movies in Abuja
National News
Non-kinetic team engages bandit leaders, communities in Birnin Gwari to strengthen peace initiative
Non-kinetic team engages bandit leaders, communities in Birnin Gwari to strengthen peace initiative
By: Zagazola Makama
In continuation of non-kinetic peace engagements across the 1 Division area of operation, representatives of key security and peace institutions on Tuesday visited Kuyello and surrounding communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State to sustain dialogue with repentant bandits and community leaders.
The visit, conducted on Nov. 11, was jointly led by representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and some Islamic clerics from the Kaduna State Peace Committee, with participation from 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to sources, the team arrived Kuyello at about 11:30 a.m., where a meeting was held with key community stakeholders and repentant bandit leaders.
The Chairman of the committee urged the repentant bandits to remain committed to the peace agreement and desist from attacks, kidnappings, and preventing locals from accessing markets and farmlands.
He reminded them that the peace initiative was built on mutual trust and community safety.
During the engagement, the team learned of an unresolved conflict between vigilantes from Kompany village in the Layin Dan Auta area and residents of Layin Dan Lasa village, reportedly under the control of bandit leader Kachalla Risku.
The feud was traced to an earlier incident at a mining site on Oct. 16, 2025, where a Fulani local was killed and his weapon seized, leading to retaliatory attacks and kidnappings.
The sources noted that Risku agreed to release all kidnapped persons and return a police rifle in his custody.
However, he demanded the return of four motorcycles allegedly seized by locals during the October incident.
Community leaders, including the Hakimi, testified that the bandits had largely kept to their commitments under the peace accord, attributing the recent tensions to the refusal of residents of Layin Dan Auta to comply with the peace deal.
The team further stopped at Rikau and Rima villages during its return to Kaduna to meet other bandit leaders, including Kabiru and Dandukununu, who also pledged to uphold the peace agreement. Palliatives were handed over to them as part of confidence-building measures.
The delegation described the visit as successful, noting that it was aimed at preventing a relapse into violence and consolidating gains from the ongoing dialogue process.
At the end of the engagement, several resolutions were reached, including a directive for the Birnin Gwari Local Government Council and the Emirate Council to facilitate peace talks between the warring communities.
It was also resolved that all kidnapped victims in the custody of Risku be released immediately, while the police rifle held by his group should be handed over to security agencies without delay.
The team returned safely to Kaduna at about 7:50 p.m. after a hitch-free mission.
Non-kinetic team engages bandit leaders, communities in Birnin Gwari to strengthen peace initiative
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