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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
News
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe

Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has advised the management and staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to redouble their efforts and ensure that Nigeria has an authentic and reliable registration database.
He also called on the NIMC to monitor their database while issuing national identification numbers to citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity.
The governor gave the advice when he received the management team of NIMC as part of their celebration to mark NIN Day 2025 at the Government House, Damaturu, the state capital.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He said the national identity number is a single, unique number that identifies persons for life, serving as the most authentic way to verify a person’s identity.
Governor Buni emphasized the need for full registration of legal residents so as to have an accurate Nigerian population and enable Nigerians to have access to essential services.
Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of NIMC Yobe State, Mr. Zaman Yaksha, informed the governor that 16 September of every year has been set aside to celebrate and create awareness on the importance of national identification registration.
Mr. Yaksha revealed that recently there were directives from the presidency that all Nigerians must register with NIMC irrespective of their age.
He commended the Yobe state government for the full support given to the commission in the discharge of its duty.
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
News
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace

IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged government, private sector, security agencies, the media, as well as religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace in Nigeria.
The call was made at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Institute, celebrated alongside the 2025 International Day of Peace.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, underscores the urgency for collective action.

“The imperative to act now reflects the reality that peace cannot be deferred, delegated, or delayed. It requires immediate, sustained, and coordinated action from individuals, institutions, and nations,” Ochogwu stressed.
Reflecting on the institute’s achievements over the last 25 years, the DG highlighted IPCR’s role in training thousands of peace practitioners, mediators, and community leaders, as well as its interventions in communal disputes, electoral violence prevention, and religious reconciliation efforts.
“Our early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms have helped prevent the escalation of numerous potential conflicts, saving countless lives and preserving community harmony,” he noted.
Ochogwu also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in tackling insecurity, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria.

“Government must prioritize conflict prevention, invest in peacebuilding infrastructure, and ensure that development policies are conflict-sensitive and inclusive,” he said.
The DG further called on the media to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and use their platforms to amplify voices of peace and reconciliation, while urging religious and traditional leaders to leverage their influence to promote tolerance and understanding.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, IPCR outlined a series of activities, including interfaith prayer sessions, a “Sports for Peace and Mental Health Clinic,” and a peace walk followed by a commemorative lecture.
He emphasized that sustainable peace is deeply connected to individual wellbeing. To promote this, the organization is launching a “Sport for Peace and Mental Health” clinic a creative initiative combining physical activity with mental health support.
This approach not only helps address trauma and the physiological impacts of conflict but also fosters community healing through active engagement.
“Recognizing that peace begins with individual wellbeing, we are hosting a Sport for Peace and Mental Health Clinic that integrates physical activity with mental health support. This innovative approach acknowledges that sustainable peace requires addressing the physiological dimensions of conflict and trauma while promoting healthy community engagement through sport.”
Ochogwu concluded with a reminder of the institute’s long-term mission.
“Peace is both a destination and a journey. The past 25 years have shown that sustainable peace is possible when we act with determination and unity. The time for peace is always now.”
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
News
NESREA, WJC Sign MOU on Wildlife Protection

NESREA, WJC Sign MOU on Wildlife Protection
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening wildlife protection in the country.
The MoU, signed on Tuesday at NESREA’s headquarters in Abuja by the Director General/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, and Chief of Investigations at the WJC, Stephen Carmody, represented by the Regional Manager for West and Central Africa, Abim Isafiade, establishes a framework for cooperation to combat transnational organised criminal networks trafficking in wildlife, fish, and timber.

The MoU is aimed at strengthening intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.
“This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity, conserve threatened species, and ensure sustainable managed wildlife resources for future generations.”, stated Barikor.
Barikor added that, “NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with the WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers. Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage.”
Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, Olivia Swaak-Goldman in a statement said the collaboration with NESREA would bring in fresh vigour into wildlife enforcement activities in the country.
He said: “By expanding our partnerships to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment by NESREA and the WJC to disrupt wildlife crime, dismantle transnational criminal networks, and ensure that organised crime is no longer driving species to extinction.
NESREA, WJC Sign MOU on Wildlife Protection
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