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UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

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UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

By: Michael Mike

A new project to strengthen the Niger Delta Peace Architecture was launched in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State on Wednesday.

Joining the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to launch the project are the Ambassador of Denmark, Sune Krogstrup and Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Oliver Stolpe.

The project aims to support the Government and communities in the implementation of the 2022 Bayelsa State Community-Based Crime Prevention Strategy.

According to a statement, the project will be implemented in five communities across Bayelsa State empowering them through joint security committees to manage their security environment proactively, helping to address the root causes of crime and violence and enhancing collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies building trust and fostering lasting partnerships.

The statement said the new project builds on a successfully implemented first phase which, with funding from the Government of Germany, was implemented between 2021 and 2023 and helped the Government of Bayelsa State to develop the Community Based Crime Prevention Strategy and supported its implementation in the communities of Otuan, Ikeberi 1 and Ayamasa.

Specific interventions included the refurbishment of police stations, the redeployment of police officers and their training on community-oriented policing.

The project also established youth centres and introduced Line Up Live Up, a sports-based youth crime prevention programme now being delivered by sport coaches across the three communities. Further investments were made into economic empowerment initiatives, such as a Garri processing plants and solar powered streetlights.

Diri, while welcoming the new project, stated that: “The collaborative effort with the German Government and UNODC has demonstrably improved security in Bayelsa State and we are confident that the new project, funded by the Government of Denmark, will build upon this success and further strengthen peace and security across the Niger Delta.”

Ambassador Sune Krogstrup said “Community-based crime prevention is a cornerstone of effective security strategies. We are proud to partner with the Bayelsa State government and UNODC to empower communities and promote lasting peace.”

On the occasion of the project launch, Governor Douye Diri also welcomed a delegation of ambassadors and high-level representatives of the Governments of Finland, Germany and the European Union.

The visiting delegation joined the meeting of the BRACED Commission, attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States and chaired by HE Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

They discussed developmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta and identified opportunities for the international community to cooperate with the Governments of the Niger Delta in addressing these challenges, including through the possible expansion of the community- based crime prevention approach successfully tested in Bayelsa State.

UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

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Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community

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Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have killed two persons and abducted another in Kachiwe community, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, the police have said.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 20.

According to eye witnesses, the bandits invaded Kachiwe community in large numbers, shot and killed Ango Abdulkarim, 25, and Abdulkarim Isah, 54, and abducted one Meyaku Ibrahim, 28.

All the victims are Fulani by tribe and residents of Kachiwe community.

“On receipt of the information at about 9:30 a.m., Army troops supported by Police and vigilantes, were swiftly deployed to the scene,” the sources said.

The sources added that by the time the teams arrived, the bandits had fled.

“However, the two corpses were recovered and, on the request of their relatives, handed over for burial,” the sources said.

The security sources said efforts were ongoing through intelligence gathering and monitoring to arrest the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victim.

Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community

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NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years

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NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.

Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.

According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.

He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.

Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.

He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations

He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”

At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.

Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.

The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.

NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years

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NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja

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NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated 402 newly promoted officers in a colourful ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.

The event, which brought together senior officers, personnel, and invited guests, was described as a milestone in the careers of the promoted officers and a testament to their dedication to national service.

Speaking at the ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed that promotion is not a reward for longevity but a recognition of hard work, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

Odumosu reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility, urging them to demonstrate higher levels of discipline, integrity, and leadership in the discharge of their duties.

He highlighted the achievements recorded by the FCT Command, noting that since he assumed office, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to security threats within the nation’s capital.

The Commandant also underscored the Corps’ role in protecting critical national infrastructure, including government facilities, public utilities, and strategic installations across the FCT.

He commended the Agro-Rangers Unit for its efforts in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities, thereby contributing to food security in the territory.

Odumosu revealed that in 2025, the Command arrested 112 suspected vandals and over 50 illegal miners involved in acts of economic sabotage. According to him, many of the suspects were involved in vandalizing armoured cables, fibre optic installations, streetlights, solar panels, road crash barriers, and telecommunication infrastructure.

He further disclosed that the Command has invested in training and capacity building for its officers in areas such as intelligence gathering, disaster management, crowd control, election security, and human rights compliance.

Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Commandant urged them to serve as role models, uphold ethical standards, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He assured the FCT Minister, the NSCDC leadership, and residents of Abuja that the Command would continue to prioritize professionalism, accountability, and effective security service delivery.

NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja

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