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UN to Support Nigeria’s War on Drug Trafficking – Amina Mohammed
UN to Support Nigeria’s War on Drug Trafficking – Amina Mohammed
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations has assured Nigeria of support in its ongoing war against drug abuse and drug trafficking.
The assurance was given by the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Mrs. Amina Mohammed when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Retd) at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)‘s headquarters in Abuja.
She said the UN was ready to support NDLEA to succeed in its onerous task of curbing the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Mohammed, accompanied by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, said the global body is willing to enhance the impact of the agency has it has shown significant achievements over the years in the war against drug trafficking.
According to her, “On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, we want to reconfirm our support from the United Nations to the work of this agency. It is extremely important, this is coming at a time where the challenges are more complex. The Chairman has spoken about the needs, and we are very pleased to hear that everyone is doing a very good job and we hope that we can increase the impact.
“From our conversation with the Chairman, the issue is clear, it involves many other sectors. We talked about the root causes, and the escape is often drugs. That is why it is important for us to work with the rest of government to ensure that all people have a right to their dignity. I see this agency as a symbol that wants to do the job, to succeed. This is a challenge we will be here to support.”
The UN Chief commended Marwa for providing NDLEA exemplary leadership. “I just have to commend the leadership you have here, the leadership we have known for a very long time. When we were much younger, we used to look up to the Soldier Marwa, that led from the front with example and discipline. We see the discipline now in your officers as we walk into the office and there is a difference. We need more of that.”
“This is the only country that we have. And we must harness the potential through the work that we do. What we want to do is support with whatever that we can, to ensure a greater and better Nigeria that takes its position not only in Africa but worldwide”, she added.
While appreciating the UN deputy scribe for the visit, Marwa said “We’re indeed pleased to have you visit us. This will go on record as the first visit in history to NDLEA by the highest echelon of the United Nations. We not only commend you for this but also in equal measure your string of impressive achievements, whether when you served as Minister at home or at the global stage where you’re currently serving as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. Thank you for being a shining light and a good ambassador of not only Nigeria, but the African continent and indeed the black race world over.”
Marwa noted that the twin problem of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking remains one of the ferocious threats to public health and national security despite the significant efforts being made by NDLEA in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in Nigeria.
“With the dire consequences of the menace steering us in the face, upon my assumption of leadership in 2021, we have moved swiftly to halt the spiral turn of the situation and between then and end of 2023, we have been able to make over 48,157 arrests including 46 drug barons with a total of 8,350 already successfully prosecuted and convicted while 7,500 tons of illicit drugs were seized from them and 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed deep in the forests in parts of the country .
“On the other part of our mandate, we have equally put in place a strong mechanism to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This we do through our War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, a social advocacy campaign initiative. In addition, we provide treatment and counselling to users in our commands across the country, through which we have been able to counsel and treat over 29, 400 persons within the same period.
“This is why your coming today affords us the opportunity to share with you some of the things you can use your good office and the huge platform of the UN to facilitate to enhance what we are doing and plan to achieve. They include but not limited to the following: Conduct of another drug use survey that will give us a better assessment of where we’re now six years after the last survey; procurement of mechanical tools to destroy cannabis farms as against the current manual system; procurement of incinerators to destroy tons of illicit drugs seized as against the current open air burning which is not good for the environment and public health; support for our Alternative Development programme and
modern forensic equipment needed in our old and new labs, among others.”
UN to Support Nigeria’s War on Drug Trafficking – Amina Mohammed
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
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