#Gen. Marwa

[prowlingeagles]

Drug War: Marwa promises unrepentant drug barons, cartels tough time in 2023 ...Says 26,458 suspects arrested, 3,733 jailed, 19,401 counselled and treated in 24 months

  By Adetokunbo Fakeye Nigeria – The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has warned that unrepentant drug barons and cartels will face tougher time in 2023 if they fail to back out of the illicit drug business. Marwa, who gave the warning on Wednesday 18th January at a press briefing at the NDLEA national…

[usernoneexistent]

Could it be triplets, the three eldest or youngest or even the first three you ever created, show me that holy trinity of your bunch! Hosted by @endlessly-cursed

Marwa, Tarragon Weasley-Moss, and Zola Albatross (Juniper and Charlie's kids)

(Face claim: Yasmina el Abd, Jessica Sula and Willow Smith)

So Juniper and Charlie end up with three girls throughout her life two unofficially adopted (Juniper adopted Marwa first with Bill and later Charlie accidently ends up adopting her too before they even got together, its a whole thing) and one biological but who cares about that. We all love a good found family trope. Unfortunately, Marwa never had the chance to meet Tarragon and Zola however Juniper did tell them about her.

Marwa had a lot of shit to deal with yet this girl never became hateful towards anyone despite experiencing a lot of prejudice as an obscurus. She is an absolute gem and just someone I constantly want to protect despite allowing her fate to occur.

Tarragon is a softie but won't get pushed around. I love how she doesn't care for social norms and rather likes to follow her own lane. Animals and magical creatures make for much better companions than humans in her mind. She often feels misunderstood but shares it with Zola who is equally misunderstood by many too.

The wild child of the bunch, Zola is unafraid to speak her mind and make a scene to get her point across. I love how unabashedly she is herself and learns to not care what people think about her and her family's history instead searching for those who value Zola for who she is instead.

[touchaheartnews]

GMD UBA’s Oliver Alawuba named the 2023 Champion Man of the Year.

  Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has been named Champion Newspapers Man of the Year for 2023. Oliver, who is making history as the first CEO of any financial institution in the country to clinch the prestigious award, beat top contenders during a rigorous process by the top echelon of the media organization after…

[losergames]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO THE CHOP SHOP CAST !!!!

how are the characters spending their holidays? (this includes marwa and hakeem because i love them to death) 💞

JADE 😁 i've been trying to write this out for days. like, i knew the crew had family problems but they really have family problems.

OKAY for the crew in general, they spend at least one afternoon/evening together in december, like a potluck dinner, and it always goes tits up sitcom style.

as for the crew indivdually:

Four - Four struggles with the end of year holidays since there is such a big emphasis on spending time with family. he definitely gives an end of year bonus to all of the crew, even if the shop had a bad financial year. He probably finds a reason to work in the shop during christmas day.

Dilani - Dilani is the grinch/scrooge of the group. she and her sisters visit her parents for Bodhi day, (more to appease the parents than to actually celebrate - first gen kid things) and it's a nice quiet day with food and civil company.

Sunny - Sunny doesn't mind the holidays, just hates the commercial side of it all. he spends christmas day at his grandparents, alongside his cousins, siblings and aunties/auncles. he also brings Maz along so they're not alone on xmas day.

Maz - Maz is the most festive of the group and is extra annoying about it to annoy Dilani. they buy presents for everyone, including Sunny's grandparents, decorate the workshop etc. Maz does not go home to their family for reasons.

Aimee - Aimee likes the holidays - a reason to eat, drink and let loose. she sees all of her immediate family, except for her sister and niblings, on christmas day. she visits her dads grave christmas day morning.

Marwa and Hakeem - Marwa and Hakeem don't celebrate any holidays in december, so it's business as usual! though i imagine they hang up the holiday cards they receive in december in the shop windows!!

[ejesgistnews]

Abuja, Nigeria – Barrister Temi Nuruddin Salami, representing the Initiative for Positive Growth and Collective Development (IPAD), has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to seriously address allegations of internal corruption. This comes amidst rising tensions following controversial remarks by Kwara South Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru. Senator Ashiru recently described the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised” organisation in Nigeria, a statement made during discussions on a Bill aimed at establishing the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. His remarks have ignited a nationwide debate over the agency's integrity. Read Also: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in Suit Challenging EFCC’s Constitutionality Filed by 16 State Governments The NDLEA quickly dismissed the senator's comments, attributing them to personal vendetta rather than concerns for the country’s drug crisis. In a swift rebuttal, the agency labelled the allegations as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish its image. However, Barrister Salami criticised the agency's response, calling it "disappointing" and a violation of constitutional principles. He acknowledged the NDLEA's efforts under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd) in curbing drug abuse but argued that corruption within the agency remains an open secret. “It is common knowledge that there are bad eggs in the agency,” Salami stated, highlighting reports of NDLEA officers allegedly taking bribes to release offenders and reselling confiscated drugs. He urged the NDLEA to “look inward” and address these issues rather than deflecting criticism. Salami further emphasised the need for the agency to adopt a more reformative approach. “The tongue-lashing approach adopted by the NDLEA is not only disappointing but a gross disrespect to the Constitution,” he noted, stressing that criticism of the agency is legitimate, regardless of its source. Advocating for the proposed National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, Salami urged the NDLEA to embrace constructive feedback and focus on its core mandate of addressing the pervasive drug issue in Nigeria. “What they ought to do is to look inward and speak to the issues,” he concluded. Stay informed with Ejes Gist News – Your new Source for Credible News in Nigeria Now.

[hardynwa]

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges govs

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), have charged state governments to prioritise the fight against drug abuse to ensure a safe and secure society. The charge was given on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care, organised by the NDLEA for spouses of state governors. In her keynote address at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative. She said, “I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of His Excellency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), for organizing this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria. “We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response. We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders. “As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them toward a future free from the shackles of addiction. As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change. “The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction “However, our efforts must not end with this training. We must translate knowledge into action, collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, andstudents. Together, we can implement evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches.” The AGF, Fagbemi, SAN in his remarks, commended the resourcefulness of the NDLEA leadership in utilising the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum to cascade the drug war into the grassroots and the community level. Fagbemi noted, “The issue of drug use is not confined to any region or social strata, but affects every corner of our nation, and propagates crime and other criminalities across the world. The critical role of the attendees in shaping policies and practices in the communities is therefore recognized. “The NDLEA boss in his remarks said the devastating effects of substance abuse on public health, the environment and its nexus with the spate of insecurity faced across the country has made it mandatory for a whole-of-society approach to curb the scourge. He said this has been the focus of the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign emplaced by the NDLEA since 2021.” Meanwhile, Marwa urged the governors’ wives to take advantage of their positions to mobilise support for drug prevention and treatment in their states. Marwa said, “Our commanders and officers in your states are always available to work with you and the governors; please create the needed access for them so that they can serve you and the society better. Together, we can effect meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all. Your collective effort can become the biggest catalyst for the nation to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.” He noted that as part of efforts to curb the cultivation and production of illicit drugs in Nigeria, the agency is adopting an alternative development plan that will encourage cannabis farmers to switch to other licit crops. He added, “I’d also like to draw your attention to the devastating impact activities of drug cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing humanity; that is deforestation, which results 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 switching to other crops. I have recently set up an Alternative Development Unit in my office. We need you to make this reality and our alternative development plan one of your takeaways for the immediate consideration and support of our governors. We will keep you posted as we flesh out the plan on this, this year.” Also, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stressed the pivotal role of first ladies in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse. The minister assured of collaboration between his ministry and NDLEA in combatting substance abuse among students. “The curriculum in schools has been updated to include the added spice of drug issues with the necessary knowledge to avoid drug use. Drug-free clubs in federal unity colleges enable children to make healthier choices,” she noted. Other speakers at the opening ceremony were the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Representative Dr Oliver Stolpe; a representative of the European Union, Letizia Torretta, and the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu. Read the full article

[reportafrique]

NDLEA Seizes 14.5 Tons Of ‘Ghanaian Loud’ Linked to wanted Lagos Drug Baron

Operatives from various specialized units of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted significant shipments of Cocaine and Colorado, a potent strain of cannabis. The illicit drugs were concealed within containerized household items and vehicles imported from Durban, South Africa, and Canada at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. Coordinated intelligence efforts and months of tracking by three special NDLEA units led to the seizure of these illicit substances, along with arms, ammunition, and various military effects. Joint examinations by NDLEA officers, Customs Service, and other security agencies took place between Thursday, January 18, and Friday, January 19, 2024. The deployment of NDLEA's sniffer dogs aided in identifying locations and bags used to hide the illicit items. The seized items included 1,274 parcels of Cocaine and Colorado weighing 884.09 kilograms, four pistols, 197 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 275 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and various military personnel effects. While one shipment of Colorado (32.5kg) arrived in used vehicles from Canada, the rest were found in two containers from Durban, South Africa. A suspect linked to one of the containers, Akara Chibugo, was tracked and arrested. Additionally, two vigilant freight agents and a traveler prevented two drug trafficking operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The agents, contacted to send a consignment of 1kg of cannabis concealed in Milo beverage tins to Turkey, chose to submit the shipment to NDLEA checks, leading to the discovery of the psychoactive substance. In a similar event, NDLEA operatives arrested Okosun Paul Punitt, the consignee of a shipment of tramadol concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements. The staff of Pathfinder International Ltd, Ajuzieogu Mac-Elvis Ugochukwu, attempted to send the consignment to Accra, Ghana, but a vigilant passenger suspected illicit substances, leading to further investigation and the arrest of Okosun. In Kano, NDLEA seized 5,653,000 pills of tramadol 250mg and exol-5 from three suspects. Two were arrested with 5,404,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, while another was nabbed with 249,000 tablets of exol-5. In Lagos, Ali Abubakar and Murtala Sani were arrested with 110kg of cannabis sativa, and 69kg of the same substance was recovered from the hideout of a fleeing suspect in Akerele, Surulere. A raid operation in Abuja led to the recovery of 2,800 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, with the suspected owner, Jideofor Sochima, still at large. In Taraba, NDLEA seized 100,510 pills of opioids from a suspect, Ike Emmanuel. In Abia state, a 60-year-old Joseph Isiguzoro, along with Emmanuel Eugene and Malachi Ndu, were arrested with 34,200 pills of opioids. Isiguzoro was also found with a monetary exhibit totaling N2,885,045. The NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued with sensitization lectures at various institutions, including the Federal University of Technology in Akwa Ibom, Federal Government College in Lagos, Edusoko University in Niger state, and Community Secondary School in Kano state. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers and men across various commands for their efforts in the arrests and seizures. He urged them to remain focused and resolute in achieving the agency's goal of combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. Read the full article

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Two tons of illicit substances seized by NDLEA operatives from seven states in one week NDLEA intercepted more than two tons of illicit substances in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo and Kogi in the last one week. Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the agency’s operatives stormed a warehouse at Obi Camp in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo on Monday, Nov. 20. They seized 338kg of Indian hemp concealed in sacks of charcoal in the raid. NDLEA operatives also raided Ikhin Forest in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo on Saturday, Nov. 25 and seized 235kg of the same psychoactive substance. “A suspect, Onah Ikechukwu (32) was arrested at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, Nov. 22. “The operatives seized 11,690 capsules of tramadol, 295 bottles of codeine syrup and various quantities of Molly, Indian hemp and Methamphetamine from the suspect. “Another raid on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island, led to the seizure of 40,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 440,000 pills of tramadol in a store belonging to one fleeing Ebuka Amechi. “Not less than 135,600 capsules of tramadol and 950gm of Indian hemp were seized from two suspects – Afamefuna Ibekwe (37), and Sunday Onweh (41) at Nkpor, Akuzor and Ose-Ogbaijo, Onitsha, respectively,’’ he stated. Babafemi added that 37,360 pills of different psychoactive drugs and 250 bottles of codeine syrup were recovered from one Muhammed Khamis (22) on Thursday, Nov. 23 on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway. The drugs were being transported from Onitsha, Anambra to Abuja, Babafemi stated. NDLEA operatives in Ekiti seized 288kg of Indian hemp at Odo-Owa Forest in Ijero Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Nov. 25. “At least, 116kg of Indian hemp were seized from a suspect, Chinagoram Obaru (24) who was arrested at Iju Forest on Thursday, Nov. 23,’’ he added. Babafemi also stated that 859kg of Indian hemp, concealed among bags of sugar in a truck for onward transportation to Mokwa, Niger state were recovered. The consignment, he added, was loaded at Ogbese in Ondo State and hidden among bags of cement in a truck before it was trans-loaded into another articulated vehicle in Ogun. On Friday, Nov. 24, NDLEA operatives in Ogun arrested two suspects – Adamu Ibrahim and Nura Sani at Ileke trailer garage, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa commended the officers and men over the seizures and arrests. He charged them to remain vigilant and to double their efforts, especially as criminal networks had become desperate to make quick money preparatory to the Yuletide season. (NAN)

[qualitytvng]

UNGA: NDLEA BOSS LAMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ILLICIT  CROP CULTIVATION, DEFORESTATION

SAYS PLANNING ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT TO ILLICIT DRUG PRODUCTION By Vincess Okushi The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has lamented over the devastating effect of illicit crop cultivation saying it’s planning an alternative means of eliminating drug cartels businesses to protect against environmental…

[prowlingeagles]

Drug war: Marwa commends French police partnership, seeks more support

Drug war: Marwa commends French police partnership, seeks more support

  By Adetokunbo Fakeye Nigeria – The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), CON, OFR, has commended the support from the Police Nationale (RAID) of France especially in the areas of training and equipment. The NDLEA boss, as confirmed by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi commended the French partnership in his…

[lefondamentsdelislam]

ISLAM 101: Ton Pèlerinage. Partie 2

La signification du Hadj

Le hadj, c’est se rendre à la Maison Sacrée d’Allah pour accomplir les rites du pèlerinage qui consistent en pratiques et paroles héritées du Prophète (Paix et bénédiction d'Allah sur lui) comme le fait de se mettre en état de sacralité (ihrâm), de faire les circumambulations sept fois autour de la Maison Sacrée, trotter sept fois la distance qui relie les deux monts d’as-Safâ et d’al-Marwa, de camper à Arafa, de lapider les stèles à Minâ, etc.

Il comporte de grands bienfaits pour les hommes comme la proclamation de l’unicité d’Allah, le grand pardon dont bénéficient les pèlerins, le fait que les musulmans fassent connaissances les uns avec les autres, l’apprentissage des prescriptions de la religion, etc.

Le temps du hadj : Les rites du hadj se concentrent entre le huitième et le treizième jour de dzu-l-hijja qui est le douzième mois lunaire du calendrier musulman.

Qui doit faire le hadj ?

Pour que le hadj soit obligatoire, il faut que le musulman soit «juridiquement apte» [mukallaf] et qu’il ait les moyens [istitâ`a]. Le sens de mukallaf est, comme cela a été vu précédemment, qu’il soit sain d’esprit et majeur.

Le sens d’istitâ`a (avoir les moyens) est :

La possibilité de faire le déplacement jusqu’à la Maison Sacrée par des voies justes et légales, pouvoir accomplir les rites du hadj sans plus de difficulté que les difficultés normales associées au voyage, s'assurant de la sécurité pour sa personne et ses biens, et pourvoyant de l’argent nécessaire au hadj autre que celui qui couvre ses besoins essentiels et les frais de ceux dont on a la charge.

Les différentes situations du musulman au regard de la capacité à faire le hadj

Il y a le cas où il peut faire le hadj lui-même c’est-à-dire qu’il est capable d’arriver à la Maison Sacrée par lui-même (en toute autonomie), sans devoir supporter une difficulté excédant la difficulté normale et qu’il possède suffisamment d’argent à cet effet. Il doit alors s’acquitter lui-même de l’obligation du hadj.

Il y a celui qui le peut par personne interposée, non par lui-même. C’est le cas de celui qui ne peut faire le hadj avec sa propre personne en raison de la maladie et de l’âge mais il sait qui mandater pour qu’il fasse le pèlerinage en son nom tandis qu’il a les moyens de financer le hadj à son mandataire. Dans ce cas, il a l’obligation de donner ce qu’il faut d’argent pour que l’on fasse le hadj pour lui.

Il y a celui qui ne peut faire le hadj ni lui-même ni par personne interposée. Une telle personne n’est pas tenue de faire le pèlerinage tant qu’elle n’a pas les moyens. C’est l’exemple de la personne qui n’a pas suffisamment de quoi payer son hadj, en plus de l’argent qui couvre ses frais et ceux des gens de sa famille dont il a la charge. Il n’est pas tenu non plus d’emprunter pour avoir les moyens d’accomplir le hadj mais dès que les ressources le permettront, il fera obligatoirement le pèlerinage.

Nécessité de la présence d’un «maħram» pour le pèlerinage de la femme

Pour que le pèlerinage soit obligatoire à la femme, il faut comme condition la présence d’un «mahram». Le hadj n’est donc pas exigé de la femme si elle n’est pas accompagnée par un de ses mahram qui sont, son mari ou le proche avec qui elle ne pourra jamais se marier comme le père, le grand-père, le fils, le petit-fils, le frère et ses fils [les neveux], l’oncle paternel et l’oncle maternel.

Cependant, si la femme a accompli son pèlerinage sans la présence d’un mahram mais dans des conditions lui garantissant la sécurité, son hadj est alors correct et valide.

Q: Possèdes-tu l’argent suffisant et la capacité physique pour accomplir le hadj ?

- Oui

Tu dois faire le hadj toi-même.

Q: Tu ne possèdes pas la capacité physique pour faire le hadj en raison de ta pathologie qui semble incurable ou à cause de ton âge avancé, mais possèdes-tu suffisamment d’argent ?

- Oui

Tu dois fournir à quelqu’un l’argent nécessaire pour qu’il fasse le hadj à ta place, en ton nom.

Si tu ne possèdes pas l’argent suffisant pour t’acquitter du hadj en plus de l’argent qui couvre tes besoins et les besoins de ceux qui sont à ta charge, alors le hadj n’est pas obligatoire en ce qui te concerne et tu n’es pas obligé de récolter l’argent (t’endetter) pour le faire.

[mycelebrityandi]

5 kingpins arrested as NDLEA busts trans-border drug cartel, seizes skunk and meth concealed in air compressors Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have successfully dismantled a trans-border drug cartel and arrested five leaders of the syndicates operating in parts of the world in a special operation that lasted weeks during which different quantities of skunk, methamphetamine and ephedrine as well as air compressors used to conceal and distribute them globally were recovered. Spokesperson of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 29, 2023, said the special operation came on the heels of a warning by the Chairman of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) that drug barons and cartels will have it rough in 2023 if they fail to back out of the criminal business. "Leaders of the cartel which spreads across Dubai, UAE; Cotonou, Benin Republic; Togo; Oman, Thailand and Europe as well as Lagos, Imo and Onitsha in Anambra state, had while on Christmas and New Year holidays in their villages were still coordinating efforts to send their illicit consignments to Dubai and other parts of the world.," the statement read. Their lid was blown open on Thursday 29th December 2022 when their freight agent, Onyeisue Collins Chukwudi was arrested by NDLEA officers at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos for attempting to export three big automobile air compressors to Dubai. A quick follow up operation led to the recovery of additional five compressors at his home at 24 Legacy road, Ayobo area of Lagos. A total of 27.50kgs of skunk were taken out of the air compressors after welding equipment was used to cut them open. Further investigations revealed that the freight agent was working for a bigger organized criminal group. As a result, extensive operational tools were deployed to track the first kingpin, Onuoha Peter Obioma who lives in Benin Republic and Togo but comes occasionally to do business in Lagos. #ndlea #nigeria #mycelebrityandi https://www.instagram.com/p/CoASfAmLTig/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[toriexpress]

'Over 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis' - NDLEA boss Marwa

‘Over 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis’ – NDLEA boss Marwa

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd), has said that Nigeria is ranked number one cannabis-using country in the world, stating that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse the drug.  Speaking at the 2nd edition of Vanguard Mental Health Summit on Thursday, November 24, Marwa said that Nigeria has a serious drug abuse problem and the severity of the…

[hardynwa]

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges govs

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), have charged state governments to prioritise the fight against drug abuse to ensure a safe and secure society. The charge was given on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care, organised by the NDLEA for spouses of state governors. In her keynote address at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative. She said, “I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of His Excellency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), for organizing this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria. “We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response. We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders. “As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them toward a future free from the shackles of addiction. As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change. “The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction “However, our efforts must not end with this training. We must translate knowledge into action, collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, andstudents. Together, we can implement evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches.” The AGF, Fagbemi, SAN in his remarks, commended the resourcefulness of the NDLEA leadership in utilising the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum to cascade the drug war into the grassroots and the community level. Fagbemi noted, “The issue of drug use is not confined to any region or social strata, but affects every corner of our nation, and propagates crime and other criminalities across the world. The critical role of the attendees in shaping policies and practices in the communities is therefore recognized. “The NDLEA boss in his remarks said the devastating effects of substance abuse on public health, the environment and its nexus with the spate of insecurity faced across the country has made it mandatory for a whole-of-society approach to curb the scourge. He said this has been the focus of the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign emplaced by the NDLEA since 2021.” Meanwhile, Marwa urged the governors’ wives to take advantage of their positions to mobilise support for drug prevention and treatment in their states. Marwa said, “Our commanders and officers in your states are always available to work with you and the governors; please create the needed access for them so that they can serve you and the society better. Together, we can effect meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all. Your collective effort can become the biggest catalyst for the nation to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.” He noted that as part of efforts to curb the cultivation and production of illicit drugs in Nigeria, the agency is adopting an alternative development plan that will encourage cannabis farmers to switch to other licit crops. He added, “I’d also like to draw your attention to the devastating impact activities of drug cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing humanity; that is deforestation, which results 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 switching to other crops. I have recently set up an Alternative Development Unit in my office. We need you to make this reality and our alternative development plan one of your takeaways for the immediate consideration and support of our governors. We will keep you posted as we flesh out the plan on this, this year.” Also, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stressed the pivotal role of first ladies in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse. The minister assured of collaboration between his ministry and NDLEA in combatting substance abuse among students. “The curriculum in schools has been updated to include the added spice of drug issues with the necessary knowledge to avoid drug use. Drug-free clubs in federal unity colleges enable children to make healthier choices,” she noted. Other speakers at the opening ceremony were the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Representative Dr Oliver Stolpe; a representative of the European Union, Letizia Torretta, and the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu. Read the full article

[reportafrique]

NDLEA Seizes 14.5 Tons Of ‘Ghanaian Loud’ Linked to wanted Lagos Drug Baron

Operatives from various specialized units of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted significant shipments of Cocaine and Colorado, a potent strain of cannabis. The illicit drugs were concealed within containerized household items and vehicles imported from Durban, South Africa, and Canada at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. Coordinated intelligence efforts and months of tracking by three special NDLEA units led to the seizure of these illicit substances, along with arms, ammunition, and various military effects. Joint examinations by NDLEA officers, Customs Service, and other security agencies took place between Thursday, January 18, and Friday, January 19, 2024. The deployment of NDLEA's sniffer dogs aided in identifying locations and bags used to hide the illicit items. The seized items included 1,274 parcels of Cocaine and Colorado weighing 884.09 kilograms, four pistols, 197 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 275 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and various military personnel effects. While one shipment of Colorado (32.5kg) arrived in used vehicles from Canada, the rest were found in two containers from Durban, South Africa. A suspect linked to one of the containers, Akara Chibugo, was tracked and arrested. Additionally, two vigilant freight agents and a traveler prevented two drug trafficking operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The agents, contacted to send a consignment of 1kg of cannabis concealed in Milo beverage tins to Turkey, chose to submit the shipment to NDLEA checks, leading to the discovery of the psychoactive substance. In a similar event, NDLEA operatives arrested Okosun Paul Punitt, the consignee of a shipment of tramadol concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements. The staff of Pathfinder International Ltd, Ajuzieogu Mac-Elvis Ugochukwu, attempted to send the consignment to Accra, Ghana, but a vigilant passenger suspected illicit substances, leading to further investigation and the arrest of Okosun. In Kano, NDLEA seized 5,653,000 pills of tramadol 250mg and exol-5 from three suspects. Two were arrested with 5,404,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, while another was nabbed with 249,000 tablets of exol-5. In Lagos, Ali Abubakar and Murtala Sani were arrested with 110kg of cannabis sativa, and 69kg of the same substance was recovered from the hideout of a fleeing suspect in Akerele, Surulere. A raid operation in Abuja led to the recovery of 2,800 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, with the suspected owner, Jideofor Sochima, still at large. In Taraba, NDLEA seized 100,510 pills of opioids from a suspect, Ike Emmanuel. In Abia state, a 60-year-old Joseph Isiguzoro, along with Emmanuel Eugene and Malachi Ndu, were arrested with 34,200 pills of opioids. Isiguzoro was also found with a monetary exhibit totaling N2,885,045. The NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued with sensitization lectures at various institutions, including the Federal University of Technology in Akwa Ibom, Federal Government College in Lagos, Edusoko University in Niger state, and Community Secondary School in Kano state. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers and men across various commands for their efforts in the arrests and seizures. He urged them to remain focused and resolute in achieving the agency's goal of combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. Read the full article