FG Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation at AFRIDEX 2026

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to inter-agency collaboration, innovation, and national development during a high-level engagement with organisers of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

The Minister made this known while receiving Maj. Gen. Umar Alkali and his delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

Describing AFRIDEX as “a very special programme,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that meaningful progress within Nigeria’s defence and security architecture can only be achieved through collaboration rather than isolated efforts. He stressed the need for institutions to embrace openness, synergy, and strategic partnerships to maximise national impact and drive sustainable development.

He commended the AFRIDEX initiative as a critical platform for both emerging and established innovators, particularly Nigerian youths who continue to demonstrate exceptional ingenuity in digital and cybersecurity sectors. According to the Minister, providing visibility for such talents is essential for strengthening national pride, advancing economic growth, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Highlighting the central role of research in national development, Tunji-Ojo called for stronger linkages between innovation and market opportunities. He noted that creating platforms where innovators, manufacturers, and investors can interact is key to translating research into tangible economic value.

Encouraging the organisers, the Minister advised that AFRIDEX should be institutionalised as an annual event. While acknowledging that the maiden edition may present challenges, he noted that it would also offer valuable lessons to improve future editions. He further called for deeper collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, stressing that “this is not a time for territorial thinking, but for collective progress.”

Reaffirming the Ministry’s support, he described AFRIDEX as an initiative that represents “the future, not just the present,” adding that sustained efforts would attract international participation and promote the growth of indigenous industries.

On visa facilitation, the Minister acknowledged ongoing improvements but recommended the establishment of a dedicated support desk to ensure seamless entry processes for the expected influx of international participants.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Alkali expressed appreciation to the Minister for the audience and commended his continued support for capacity building and inter-agency cooperation. He formally introduced AFRIDEX as a premier global defence and security exhibition scheduled to hold from October 26–29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City.

Organised with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria and hosted by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the event is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators. The exhibition will showcase cutting-edge solutions across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains, with over 30,000 international participants and 500 exhibitors anticipated.

Alkali also highlighted the critical role of the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the success of the event, particularly in the areas of security coordination and visa facilitation. He formally invited the Honourable Minister to participate and requested the Ministry’s support in promoting AFRIDEX through its platforms, as well as encouraging participation from agencies under its supervision.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strategic partnership and a unified vision of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for defence innovation and security solutions.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation at AFRIDEX 2026

Marwa Warns University Students Against Drug Abuse, Says It Destroys Future Prospects

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has warned Nigerian youths against drug abuse, describing it as a dangerous habit capable of ruining their future and career prospects.

Marwa gave the warning on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja.

Speaking on the topic, “High Today, Lost Tomorrow: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus,” the NDLEA boss said substance abuse has moved beyond the streets and is now a growing problem within lecture halls and campuses.

He noted that the drug scene has evolved from the use of traditional substances like cannabis to more dangerous synthetic opioids and designer drugs such as Colorado, Loud and Methamphetamine. He also raised concerns over the increasing use of social media platforms for drug distribution, as well as the involvement of students in trafficking.

“A criminal record for drug offences is a life sentence on your career before it even begins. You cannot practise law, medicine or engineering with a drug-related conviction,” he said.

Marwa explained that drug abuse affects the brain by altering neurotransmitters, leading to poor memory and impaired critical thinking. He added that substance abuse is often linked to cultism and campus violence, warning that arrest and conviction could permanently end professional ambitions.

Citing statistics, he said over 77,000 drug offenders were arrested in the past five years, with more than 60 per cent being young people. He also disclosed that most of the over 48,000 individuals treated in NDLEA facilities within the same period were youths.

The NDLEA chairman further referenced findings from the 2018 National Drug Use and Health Survey, which showed that many Nigerians begin experimenting with drugs around the age of 19, while cases involving younger teenagers are on the rise.

Addressing the graduating students, Marwa urged them to remain focused and avoid peer pressure as they step into the next phase of their lives.

“You are about to enter a world that is AI-powered and fintech-driven. There is no room for a clouded mind in a fast-paced environment. Choose your circle carefully. If your friends require you to be ‘high’ to belong, you are in the wrong company,” he said.

He stressed that character is as important as academic success, urging the graduates not to sacrifice their future for temporary pleasure.

“Nigeria needs your talent, your energy and—most importantly—your sober mind to lead us into the next decade,” he added.

Marwa also called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling drug abuse, noting that its effects extend beyond individuals to families, institutions and society through increased crime and reduced productivity.

He commended the leadership of the University of Abuja for partnering with NDLEA to strengthen campus surveillance and urged tertiary institutions to prioritise drug education during orientation programmes.

Dignitaries at the event included the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olanrewaju Tejuoso; Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi; Council Member, Adedeji Adefuye; as well as senior officials of the university and NDLEA.

Marwa Warns University Students Against Drug Abuse, Says It Destroys Future Prospects

Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation WUTAN DAJI have cleared several bandits’ camps, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms during clearance operations in Bauchi State.

Security sources said troops of 33 Artillery Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with elements of the Brigade Headquarters and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out the operation in Kumbodoro forest and Kumbodoro village.

According to the sources, the operation was led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.

They added that several bandits’ camps, including Azuge camps, were cleared during the operation, while a number of the criminals were neutralised.

Items recovered include four skeletal rifles, four dane guns, two pairs of boots, three helmets, a power bank, a Startimes decoder, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, communication links, a jackknife, six mobile phones, arrows, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, identity cards, as well as several pairs of security agency uniforms and leg chains.

The sources further disclosed that eight kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.

They said troops are currently holding position within the Kumbodoro forest to consolidate gains from the clearance mission.

In a related development, the sources said troops deployed at Duguri, in collaboration with local vigilantes, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura village following information that the animals were roaming the area.

“The cows are suspected to have fled from bandits’ camps due to the ongoing operations and are currently in custody for further action,” the sources said.

They noted that troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, while operations continue to deny bandits freedom of action in the region.

Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi