News
Thailand Govt commends NDLEA over drastic drop in number of Nigerians in Thai prisons
Thailand Govt commends NDLEA over drastic drop in number of Nigerians in Thai prisons
By: Michael Mike
The government of Thailand has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for mounting a vigorous fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, a development that has impacted positively on the image of the country in the international community.
The commendation was given by the Charge d’affaires/Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Kriwat Pharmorabuta who was accompanied by a Counsellor, Mr. Perapol Berananda during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd).
While praising the inspiring leadership Marwa has provided the NDLEA in the last three years, the Thai envoy said: “I have good news that I received as we speak, because before, there were around 800 prisoners from Nigeria in Thai prisons, but right now the number has decreased greatly, it is less than 200. That means it’s very difficult now for them to get out with the drugs.
“So, I congratulate you and the Nigerian people. I feel pleased because I’m a diplomat in Nigeria and so I love not only my country, I love also Nigeria because Nigeria is my second home. So, when I receive good news like this I feel very happy.”
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration between the Thai embassy and NDLEA on visa clearance, Mr. Pharmorabuta said his government seeks to strengthen the partnership since the embassy relies more on NDLEA visa clearance to issue Thai visa to any Nigerian travelling to Thailand from anywhere in the world because of the thorough job usually done by the agency on the important travel document.
According to him, “I would like to thank your excellency and to inform you that the government of Thailand gives more importance to the certificate of NDLEA of Nigeria before issuing visas. There may be some other criteria, some other qualifications that they might need but I think it’s not the priority, the priority document which the government of Thailand needs is the certificate from NDLEA. So, it means that if a Nigerian has the NDLEA Certificate, the correct one in their hands, 90- 95% assurance is guaranteed that they can receive the visas to enter into the kingdom of Thailand. So, I would like to thank you very much and to inform you that I’m too pleased that our team, my delegation and your delegation can know each other so that we can coordinate well in subsequent works.”
While stating that he’s responsible for bilateral relations between Nigeria and Thailand, the envoy assured that he would work towards strengthening partnership between NDLEA and its counterparts in Thailand as well as support for the Agency in terms of training and scholarship for its personnel.
In his response, Marwa expressed delight on the ongoing partnership between NDLEA and the Thai embassy on visa clearance certificate. He indicated keen interest in the readiness of the Thai government to support the agency with training and scholarship for its personnel.
“In the area of training that you just indicated your readiness to support us, you are very welcome and we are going to write this week indicating interest in the training and the scholarships. We have a lot to learn from Thailand, In fact I just created a unit, the Alternative Development Unit in my office, which focuses on encouraging our drug traffickers, especially the cannabis growers, because we have so much going on here, over 10 million consuming it and we’ve seized such a huge number, over 7000 tonnes of cannabis, we’re looking at encouraging them to stop cannabis and do other things like rice, sugarcane, cocoa and the country that we can turn to for help is Thailand, because you have the experience in alternative development, so that the people will drop this bad habit and do something more legitimate for themselves”, the NDLEA boss stated.
Thailand Govt commends NDLEA over drastic drop in number of Nigerians in Thai prisons
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked the Ruga Fulani settlement in Iburu Village, Kajuru LGA, on the night of April 18, 2025, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man and the kidnapping of several individuals.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 10:20 PM when the bandits opened fire on the residents. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu, who was shot in the chest, was rushed to the General Hospital in Kajuru but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The family of the deceased requested that his body be released for burial according to Islamic rites without a post-mortem examination.
Efforts are underway by security agencies, to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have restored normalcy to Tse-Ukough village in Baye-Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area following a violent clash between a Tiv farmer and a Fulani herder that left both men severely injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 10:30 a.m. and was triggered by a disagreement over the use of a local well.
Ushahemba Usula, a Tiv farmer, was molding blocks beside his well when a herder, Saleh Hassan, reportedly brought his cattle to drink from the same water source. Ushahemba objected, stating that the well was meant for drinking water, and asked Saleh to move his cattle away.
The argument escalated, leading Saleh to allegedly attack Ushahemba with a cutlass, inflicting deep wounds on his head and hand. In retaliation, Ushahemba reportedly overpowered Saleh, seized the cutlass, and struck him, severing his hand.
Both individuals sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, for emergency treatment.
The confrontation heightened tensions between the Tiv and Fulani communities in the area, raising fears of a possible communal conflict.
However, combined troops deployed to the scene successfully restored calm and are currently conducting confidence-building patrols to prevent further escalation.
Security urged both communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace.
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics8 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
