News
We are Planning Alternative Strategies to Nullify Drug Cartel-NDLEA

We are Planning Alternative Strategies to Nullify Drug Cartel-NDLEA
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen.Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the agency is planning alternative development strategies that will take drug cartels out of business and protect the environment from the damaging effects of illicit drug cultivation and production.
The NDLEA boss disclosed this while outlining efforts by Nigeria to curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug production and trafficking in his presentation at the third committee session of the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA on Monday
The spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Tuesday quoted Marwa to have said: “Cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing deforestation, resulting in environmental degradation. In search of a lasting solution, we are working to implement an alternative development plan. This will provide cannabis farmers with better options, like agricultural loans and improved seedlings.
“The increasing online activities of drug traffickers, particularly on the dark web, after the COVID-19 pandemic have become a great source of concern. This will require collaboration and capacity-building to neutralize the growing threat. Nigeria is also strengthening its legal framework through on-going amendments to relevant drug laws.
“Our bilateral and multilateral cooperation efforts have been expanded through the signing and renewal of memoranda of understanding with countries and agencies. This has helped to deepen intelligence sharing, exchange programmes, joint operations, and capacity building, among others.”
Marwa also said the Nigeria’s premier anti-narcotics agency will continue to identify gaps and build bridges, both in dismantling drug trafficking cartels and providing access to treatment and counselling services.
He said: “More policies to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, and displaced persons will be implemented. To maintain a clear lead over drug trafficking groups, we will continue to engage in thoughtful regulations and targeted strategic law enforcement that are intelligence-led and human rights-centred. We will also leverage stakeholder collaboration as we make progress in the implementation of the SDGs. No stone must be left unturned, and no community, group, or individual must be left behind. We must extend the fight against drugs on all fronts and ensure that our communities are safe, healthy, and peaceful”, he told the global gathering.”
He added that Nigeria is adopting a whole-of-society approach to countering the challenges of drug trafficking in line with the 2030 SDG agenda, which seeks to promote the rule of law, health, peace, and justice, stressing that: “Therefore, while ramping up law enforcement efforts to halt the illicit supply of drugs, we are equally promoting evidence-based drug prevention, treatment, and care programmes.”
Marwa while stating that Nigeria is concentrating efforts on mitigating the challenges of narcotic drugs, he declared that “the drug demand reduction strategies are also helping to address the problem of stigmatization and discrimination against people with drug use disorders. This includes the introduction of a 24/7 toll-free call centre where people can call from the comfort of their homes to access quality counselling, treatment, and care.”
He noted that: “Remarkable progress has also been made in early prevention programmes in schools and communities. This is in accordance with SDG 3, which seeks to promote good health and well-being. One of the approaches is to build the capacity of young people and provide them with the basic coping skills they need to succeed in life. The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the MTN Foundation, is promoting the Unplugged Drug Programme in schools.
“I am glad to inform that the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021–2025 is in its third year. This is Nigeria’s strategic document for addressing the world drug problem. One of its advantages is the involvement of stakeholders at all levels of government. The master plan provides a multi-agency intelligence-led model that is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking cartels and targeting illicit drug assets and wealth.
“In addition to the NDCMP, there is the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, which provides stakeholders with a platform to promote anti-drug abuse enlightenment efforts. With this development, we have given equal opportunity to drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts. The active participation of non-governmental organizations and civil society groups has raised awareness among various groups, including traditional rulers, students, opinion leaders, and religious leaders about the dangers of drug abuse and the need to address it.”
We are Planning Alternative Strategies to Nullify Drug Cartel-NDLEA
News
EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros

EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has provided €15 million to support for the needs of internally displaced persons and deliver protection assistance and durable solutions in Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Sokoto and Benue States.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot announced this in Abuja at the launch of the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue and Kano States (SIDPIN) and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS).
Mignot disclosed that the two interventions, which worth a 15 million euros, reflect the European Union’s deep commitment to advancing human dignity, resilience, and sustainable development for displaced persons and the communities that host them.
He said: “Together with the Federal and State authorities, our partners including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) will spearhead this initiative by focusing on local integration in urban and urbanising areas, adopting a multi-scale, integrated, and area-based territorial approach.
“The overall objective of these actions is to strengthen durable solutions through local integration, with a specific focus on women and children.
“We aim to improve the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities in Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Kano, and Sokoto States through sustainable local urban integration approaches that are replicable and scalable.”
He also noted that displacement in Nigeria particularly in the northeast, north central and northwest has affected over 3.5 million people.
The envoy pointed out that these individuals are not just statistics, but “lives interrupted, dreams deferred, families torn from their homes and futures.”
He added that: “Many of these IDPs want to return home to the place they were forced to leave.
“But some cannot do so in a foreseeable future, especially, because security conditions do not allow it.
“Others have made the choice to remain where they were resettled and this is a respectable personal choice.
He said that the European Union believes that the response must go beyond emergency aid.
Mignot said: “We must look at the root causes of displacement, and just as importantly, at the pathways to sustainable solutions.
“Our two projects will not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to laying the foundation for long-term stability, urban resilience, and peaceful coexistence outcomes that benefit everyone.
“This is why these projects focus on integration in urban and urbanising areas to support those staying in town.
“We recognise the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, both at the federal and state levels, in making these projects possible.
“They were developed through a consultative process involving MDAs, state governments, IDPs, and host communities to make sure that they align with the needs and priorities of our Nigerian partners.
“At the heart of our vision is the principle of local ownership and leadership. True progress happens when communities are empowered, when governments take the lead, and when development is rooted in participation, inclusion, and equity.”

Mignot, therefore, commended the implementing partners such as IOM, UNHCR, UN-Habitat, and the Danish Refugee Council for their expertise, dedication, and shared vision of a better future for displaced persons.
He expressed optimism that the launch of SIDPIN and SPADS would mark the beginning of a new chapter in “how we respond to displacement not only in Nigeria, but also as a model for the region.”
“Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, and that every displaced person has the opportunity not just to survive, but to rebuild his/her own life, to meaningfully contribute to communities, and become self-reliant,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, thanked the EU and all the implementing partners for their unwavering support.
He pledged the state government support and cooperation to the implementation of the projects.

On his part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall,
noted that the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue, and Kano States (SIDPIN), and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto State (SPADS) initiatives matter because they touch the heart of human dignity. They are about restoring lives interrupted by conflict and displacement, ensuring that children can grow in safe environments, and that women and men can rebuild their futures with dignity and opportunity.
He added that: “As the UN Secretary-General has reminded us, “leaving no one behind is not a slogan—it is a commitment.” Today we reaffirm that commitment in Nigeria.
“For Nigeria, these programmes are important because displacement challenges go beyond humanitarian needs; they affect development, stability, and peace. Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary resilience and potential. By addressing displacement with durable solutions, we are strengthening the social fabric, deepening trust in institutions, and creating pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, we help secure a future where prosperity is shared, and no community is excluded from progress.”
He said: “The United Nations in Nigeria is fully aligned with this vision. Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2027), we are working with government and partners to integrate durable solutions into broader development planning. These initiatives are anchored in the triple nexus—linking humanitarian action, peace, and development. They aim not only to respond to urgent needs but also to build resilience, expand access to services, and empower communities to thrive.”

The “Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Populations in Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano States in Nigeria (SIDPIN)” and the “EU Support for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS)”
projects are part of a multi-agency effort to address displacement through sustainable urban integration, with a strong focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Developed through an inclusive consultative process involving State Governors, relevant Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), IDP communities, and other stakeholders, the projects align with both national and state displacement action plans, as well as the European Union’s regional protection and solutions strategy for West Africa.
EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros
News
Tension at UMTH as patients, relatives locked out by security officer

Tension at UMTH as patients, relatives locked out by security officer
By: Zagazola Makama
A tense situation is unfolding at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) after the Chief Security Officer, Mr Izge Ibrahim, allegedly ordered a total lockdown of the gates, preventing patients and their families from gaining access.
The action, which has left hundreds of patients and relatives stranded outside, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of those on admission.
Families lamented that they were barred from delivering food and essential items to their loved ones, after Ibrahim allegedly introduced a controversial directive banning meals in food flasks, describing them as “a new way of stealing.”
The development has thrown patients into hunger and distress, with some reportedly left without meals for hours. Relatives who spoke to Zagazola described the order as inhuman, reckless, and life-threatening.
“This is wickedness. How can a man come in and suddenly shut down the hospital gate, blocking us from seeing our sick relatives? People are starving inside. Patients need food and care, not punishment,” one aggrieved relative said.
Zagazola observed chaotic scenes at the hospital entrance, as desperate relatives argued and pleaded with security personnel while patients inside reportedly cried for help. The situation created an atmosphere of anger and fear, with growing concern that lives could be endangered if urgent action is not taken.
As at the time of filing this report, the hospital management has not made any official statement on the matter.
End
News
Four killed, 15 injured as rival cult groups clash in Anambra

Four killed, 15 injured as rival cult groups clash in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast four persons have been killed and 15 others injured following a suspected cult-related attack in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
Sources said that the attack occurred late on Thursday during a family meeting ahead of the burial of one Uche Ndilika, a plumber and alleged member of the Aye cult group.
“Armed men suspected to be cultists stormed the gathering at Ezi village, Ogidi, and opened fire on the mourners.
“Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ogidi, responded swiftly and rushed the victims to Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital, where four were confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
“Fifteen others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and are receiving treatment at Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital and Twinkle Hospital, Ogidi,” the sources said.
The sources said 16 expended cartridges were recovered at the scene of the attack.
The sources added that preliminary investigations linked the assailants to the rival Bagger cult group, noting that detectives had commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Four killed, 15 injured as rival cult groups clash in Anambra
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
News5 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS