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. .as NDLEA officers graduate from US-DEA training academy

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime.
Marwa who stated this in his address at the graduation ceremony of NDLEA officers at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, USA on Friday, 13th February 2026, called for a reinforced global offensive against transnational organised crime, asserting that the evolving sophistication of criminal networks demands a corresponding surge in law enforcement collaboration.
The NDLEA boss described the ceremony as particularly significant, noting that the course was dedicated to SIU members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He paid glowing tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to justice continue to inspire law enforcement personnel across nations.

Highlighting the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it aptly reflects the collective resolve of partner nations against transnational organised crime, stressing that criminal networks operate across borders and therefore demand a unified, coordinated, and intelligence-driven global response.
The intensive training programme brought together elite officers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, equipping them with advanced skills in diverse critical areas of their work.

Marwa expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired would significantly enhance the operational capacity of participating agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and dismantle organised criminal cartels across the region. He charged the graduating officers to apply the competencies gained with integrity, professionalism, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility upon returning to their respective countries.

He expressed the appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership, and instructors for their steadfast partnership, mentorship, and continued investment in capacity building.
The NDLEA boss emphasised that the graduation ceremony marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility for the officers to uphold the highest standards of service, protect vulnerable communities, and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between NDLEA and the DEA would continue to grow stronger, yielding sustained successes in the shared fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of Magistrate Court buildings in three different locations across the federal capital, confirming that contractors are expected to deliver the new facilities by the end of June 2026.

Speaking during an inspection tour of various court sites on Thursday, the Minister emphasized that the projects were critical “presidential interventions” aimed at ensuring the judiciary does not lack the necessary space to dispense justice effectively.

The Minister’s tour covered three high-priority sites, starting from Asokoro, where he noted the technical difficulties posed by the terrain.

“I’ve seen the level of work, even though the topography is very bad. It’s a problem, but we’ll overcome it,” Wike said.

After Asokoro, the Minister visited Jabi, where the foundation for a new Magistrates’ court complex was laid in late 2025.

The tour concluded in Garki, where the Minister praised the rapid advancement of construction.

“You can see how far this has gone. I’m very pleased with the quality of the job,” he remarked.

The ongoing works include the construction of 40 residential housing units for judges across the FCT High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Federal High Court.

Wike noted that these efforts, directed by President Bola Tinubu, are intended to provide “definitive accommodation” and more courtrooms to improve the welfare and efficiency of the third arm of government.

The Minister dismissed criticisms that such infrastructure projects could compromise judicial independence, arguing that the executive has a responsibility to support all sectors of government.

He added; “Judicial arm of government is very critical in ensuring prompt administration of justice. There’s no particular reason we must pay attention to one sector and leave other critical sectors unattended to.”

Wike further highlighted that the judicial interventions are part of a broader push for development in the FCT, which includes road projects, school renovations, and health sector improvements.

Current road projects in the FCT have reached advanced stages, with major networks connecting the Airport Expressway to Kuje and Gwagwalada also expected to be completed by June 2026.

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The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal and redeployment of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties.

”Further strengthening the security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has executed a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties nationwide.”

The move, announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday, marks a strategic pivot from protecting private individuals to safeguarding the general public.

The decision to pull officers from VIP details comes on the heels of a devastating terrorist attack in Kwara State, where 75 villagers were killed.
For years, the use of police personnel for private VIP protection has been a point of contention in Nigeria.
This latest “large-scale redeployment”, according to the minister, seeks to rectify that imbalance by returning thousands of officers to their primary mission: community policing.

Minister Idris confirmed that these personnel have already been integrated into frontline security structures.

Key states seeing immediate personnel increases include: Kwara and Plateau, Benue and Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The minister also added that ”Security has also been strengthened around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches during Sunday services, in coordination with community and faith leaders.”

According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu, the country’s counter-terrorism strategy remains Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven.

However, the government said it remains open to strategic cooperation, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support from partners such as the United States, where such collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s national interests.

He also said the administration remains resolute in its commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that all Nigerians can live and worship freely without fear.

Gruesome Attack
Gunmen had attacked the Woro community and the neighbouring Nuku area in Kwara North at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing at least 75 people.

The attackers also set shops ablaze, torched the residence of a traditional ruler, and forced many residents to flee into nearby bushes.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) condemned the killings in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, describing them as “barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation.”

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, also described the attack as a “pure massacre,” confirming that the victims had been buried.
In response to the violence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to reinforce security operations.