AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

A high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of stronger cooperation and continued technical support as efforts intensify to curb illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and the wider region.

The delegation met on Tuesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), where both sides discussed the progress of existing partnerships and future areas of collaboration.

Leading the delegation, Philip Esch, who serves as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) liaison to AFRICOM, described the working relationship with NDLEA as critical to international security.

He commended the agency’s leadership and professionalism, noting that NDLEA’s operations in Nigeria have far-reaching implications beyond the country’s borders.

Members of the delegation also praised NDLEA for the effective use and maintenance of equipment previously supplied by the United States government, a development they said demonstrates accountability and commitment to the shared anti-drug agenda. They disclosed that additional projects and training programmes are being planned to further strengthen the agency’s capacity.

In his remarks, Marwa expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged AFRICOM’s sustained support, which he said has contributed significantly to recent successes recorded by the agency.

He stressed that drug trafficking remains closely linked to other security challenges, including terrorism and organized crime.

The NDLEA boss called for expanded assistance in key operational areas such as airport screening technology, forensic laboratories, digital investigation tools, portable drug detection devices and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation aimed at disrupting drug networks, enhancing law enforcement capacity and promoting regional and global security.

AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

Bego shares Buni’s achievements as journalists take a tour in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State in Northeastern Nigeria is one of the states that suffered from the Boko Haram insurgency, but with the support and effort of the security agencies, things are improving a lot.

However, one of the effects of the insurgency was to destroy the local community; the people have suffered, their lives and their livelihoods were destroyed, and many have lost their loved ones.

The State Commissioner of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, disclosed this to a team of journalists who embarked on a media tour organized by the Yobe State government across the state. The tour started with the Kannama modern market, the headquarters of the Yunusari local government area.0

Bego further said that. His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni thought that there is a need to rebuild communities to reinvigorate economic activities to ensure that people can go back to their farms and their markets to ensure that they can rebuild their lives.

“Governor Buni is providing a lot of support in terms of agriculture inputs, equipment, and fertilizer, among others, adding that when people finish from their farms, they will come to their market. That is why Governor Buni decided to establish such markets so that we have control where people can transact business.” He said.

Also briefing the journalists, the commissioner of Housing and Rural Development, Architect Ahmed Buba, said since the coming of Governor Buni on board, he has constructed 9 markets and completed five ultramodern markets across the state; these include 4 modern markets that were also constructed in Yunusari, Ngalda, Machina, and Buni Yadi.

He said Yunusari, a befitting market, comprises 96 shops, 146 open stalls, and 46 stalls, where there are houses, meat shops, an administration block, a police station, a fire service station, and a banking hall, and it will boost cross-border regional trade.

The team of journalists also visited the Machina modern market, the Gashu’a-Masaba road, and the 30-kilometer Bulanguwa-Kummagana road, and the Director of Civil Engineering, Alhaji Garba Umar, said the 30-kilometer Bulanguwa-Kummagana road will be completed in the next 10 days, inshallah.

Alhaji Garba Umar revealed that a contractor has completed clearance of one hundred percent of the space and literate base, and now the execution of asphalt for about 20 kilometers is only remaining 10 kilometers.

Malam Madu Ibrahim Yunusari has commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for constructing them a befitting modern market; these, he said, will boost their businesses as well as cross-border regional trade markets with their neighboring countries.

Bego shares Buni’s achievements as journalists take a tour in Yobe

Police neutralise two bandits, recover arms in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Kaduna State has neutralised two suspected armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during a security operation in Giwalga area of Bayan Kogi District.

Sources said the operation followed credible intelligence that a bandit syndicate, allegedly led by one Kachalla Sanusi Bajira, had mobilised its members to attack Idissu Village after the community failed to meet an imposed levy.

According to the sources, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with local vigilantes from Idissu Village, were deployed to the area to forestall the attack.

The police said that upon sighting the operatives, the bandits laid an ambush and engaged the security team in a gun duel.

However, the combined team reportedly overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of two suspects, while others fled into surrounding bushes.

Two AK-47 rifles and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene during the operation.

The police said the surrounding areas had been cordoned off, while concerted efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Investigation into the incident has commenced, the command added, as it reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against banditry and other criminal activities across the state,”said the sources.
End