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Senate to Enact Stronger Laws to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse
Senate to Enact Stronger Laws to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse
By: Michael Mike
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has thrown its weight behind the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), pledging stronger legislative backing and tougher laws to support the country’s escalating battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The commitment came on Monday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
In a move that signals renewed collaboration between the National Assembly and the anti-narcotics agency, Ikpea assured Marwa that the Senate would provide the legal and policy support needed to strengthen drug control efforts, expand rehabilitation programmes and intensify preventive campaigns among Nigerian youths.
The senator, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, said his visit was aimed at fostering a closer partnership with NDLEA and learning from Marwa’s experience in public service.
“I am here to learn and partner with you so that our children who have gone into drug abuse can be rehabilitated, while others are prevented from falling into the drug trap through massive awareness creation and sensitisation programmes,” Ikpea said.
He praised Marwa’s record as former Military Governor of old Borno State, former Military Administrator of Lagos State and his leadership of NDLEA, describing him as a committed and result-oriented public servant.
According to him, the Senate is ready to support the agency through legislative interventions and reforms capable of addressing the growing drug menace in the country.
“We are happy to work with you and support you in all of these because we know you are already doing a great job but not getting as much as you need to do the work. We will partner with you through legislative support and necessary laws to subdue the drug problem in our country,” he stated.
Responding, Marwa described drug abuse and trafficking as a major threat driving several social and security challenges in Nigeria and across the world.
He, however, said NDLEA had recorded significant successes in recent years, including dismantling major transnational drug cartels, arresting high-profile drug barons and weakening criminal networks through the seizure and forfeiture of assets linked to illicit drug operations.
Marwa attributed the agency’s achievements to the support of President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and the judiciary.
“The drug problem is a major challenge that is at the root of some other social issues, not only in Nigeria but globally. However, we are doing our level best to curb the scourge and we are getting impressive results,” he said.
The NDLEA boss assured the committee chairman of the agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Senate in advancing both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies nationwide.
He expressed confidence that Ikpea’s leadership of the Senate committee would further strengthen the national response to drug abuse and trafficking.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over rising substance abuse among young Nigerians and increasing efforts by authorities to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks operating within and outside the country.
Senate to Enact Stronger Laws to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Engr Peter Samuel, MNSE, MNIAE, as the General Manager of Borno State Agricultural Mechanization Authority (BOSAMA).
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment was based on Engr Samuel’s outstanding professional competence, proven track record, and experience in agricultural engineering and mechanization.
The statement noted that Engr Samuel possesses the requisite qualifications, technical expertise and leadership capacity required to reposition BOSAMA in line with Governor Zulum’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The newly appointed General Manager is an Agricultural Engineer with academic, professional, administrative, and practical experience in agricultural mechanization, farm power and machinery, irrigation engineering, and agricultural infrastructure development.
He holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Farm Power and Machinery from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), a Postgraduate Diploma in Farm Management and Production Economics from Nasarawa State University, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering from the University of Maiduguri.
Engr Samuel has distinguished himself through years of meritorious service in teaching, research, agricultural engineering practice, and project implementation. He currently serves as a Lecturer in Farm Power and Machinery at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri.
Over the years, he has held several strategic leadership positions, including General Manager of a commercial agricultural enterprise, Project Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, and Consultant on numerous agricultural development interventions implemented by reputable national and international organisations.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).
Governor Babagana Zulum congratulated the new General Manager on his appointment and urged him to deploy his wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and experience in agricultural mechanization to strengthen the operations of BOSAMA
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
DSS Frees Cardiac Surgeon Martin Aghaji on Bail Over Alleged Economic Crime
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
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