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Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman, National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has called on Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse.
Marwa made the appeal on Wednesday during a Special Anti-Drug Abuse Conference and Public Presentation of a book, titled “The Last Syndicate” in Abuja.
The event was organised by the NDLEA Celebrity Drug-Free Club to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
Marwa said that the drug abuse call centre recently launched by the agency has afforded victims of drug abuse opportunity to get counselling anonymously without fear of stigmatisation.
The NDLEA boss, who was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said the call centre with a toll-free help line was to enable victims of drug abuse to access counselling and treatment from the comfort of their homes.
“I am glad that the patronage of the centre by members of the public is very encouraging.
“This is because the gap that has over the years existed between those who are struggling with substance abuse and the treatment they need has been bridged.
“This is also because, now they do not have the fear of being judged or fear of stigmatisation,”he said.
Marwa commended the Celebrity Drug Free Club for their commitment to the fight against drug abuse in the society and promised to continue supporting them.
“The club is a platform set up by celebrities to advance the campaign against substance abuse in the country, first within the industry where they operate and then to the larger society.
“We believe this would help to positively influence their fans and followers especially on social media.
“This would help them stay away from substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. We must also know that indeed the agency supported some of their efforts.”
He said that the theme of the celebration, ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’, reaffirmed the importance of protecting humanity from the consequences of illicit drugs and substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss therefore urged the agency’s stakeholders to continue to promote the campaign against substance abuse.
Speaking, the Coordinator, NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Mr Wilson Ighodalo expressed gratitude to the NDLEA boss for his support.
Ighodalo said that it was important to reflect on the global challenge of illicit drugs and substance abuse and take appropriate action.
He explained that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking was principally to strengthen actions and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
“The theme of the World Drug Day resonated with the Club vision of getting people involved in global campaigns.
“This year’s theme raises awareness about importance of treating people who use drugs with respect, empathy and providing evidence based quality service for all.
“We would continue to work with Celebrities with good track records to advance the campaign, “he said.
Also, the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa, regretted that drug abuse has become prevalent in the country, and should be urgently tackled before it completely ruin the future of the youths.
“The problem can be tackled if we all play our roles in the eradication of drug abuse.
“Parents should try to notice signs of addiction in their children. If all stakeholders, parents, community, play their part, the fight against drug abuse will be won,” the emir said.
The author of the book, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the publication was an anti-drug message for all citizens.
Ofoyeju, an NDLEA officer, said eliminating the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking would require collective action by all well-meaning citizens.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that the issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking is tackled collectively,” he added.
Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
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