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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 candidates and teachers abducted during the recent attack on a school in Borno State after engaging fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

According to a statement by the military, the troops tracked the fleeing insurgents to the Daggu area, where they launched a coordinated operation supported by aerial surveillance.

The security forces successfully overpowered the terrorists and rescued 10 of the kidnapped candidates and teachers unharmed.

“The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.

The military disclosed that operations are still ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim, while efforts are also being intensified to apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.

However, the operation came at a heavy cost.

Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that one of its soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the military praised their sacrifice and dedication.

“Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North-East,” the statement added.

The military further disclosed that security operations have been intensified across the affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent further attacks.

It added that security has been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and students in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks operating in the North-East and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

The military also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

It further urged residents to disregard unverified reports and misinformation surrounding the incident while ongoing operations continue.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that the Federal Government is working to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a loophole that weakens the fight against drug-related crimes.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this during a chat with Channels TV, he said the judiciary has remained a strong partner in the agency’s efforts to prosecute drug offenders, noting that the agency records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent.

He, however, identified the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers as a major challenge, saying its removal would serve as a stronger deterrent.

“There is a small nag there and that is the issue of the option of fine, and we are very grateful that the Federal Government through the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is addressing that.

“I think there is an executive bill which will soon get to the national assembly to amend the law so that there will be no that option of fine.

“Because they know that there is a loophole for an option of fine, the judge gives an option of fine, then you find them paying there whether 5 million, 10 million, 20 million.
“But that I believe is being addressed at the moment and when that law is passed then there will be nothing like that, you will have probably a minimum of 15 then 25 years in prison so that you know that when you are arrested you are going to jail and then you lose everything,” Babafemi said.

He said the proposed amendment, being championed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would eliminate the fine option and replace it with mandatory prison terms ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.

This, he said, would ensure that offenders face imprisonment rather than paying fines and returning to the illicit drug trade.
Babafemi described the global drug problem as a hydra-headed monster, but said the NDLEA has remained relentless in its campaign against drug trafficking, recording significant successes.

He said the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug traffickers has reduced the availability of illicit drugs, leading to scarcity and a sharp rise in street prices.

According to him, even drug users have acknowledged the impact of the agency’s operations.
“If you follow some of the conversations online, you will hear young people complaining, ‘Why are you people always seizing these things? Now because of what you are doing, a gram of cana has moved from N5,000 to N35,000.’”

Babafemi said the agency has, in some of its recent operations, uncovered billions of naira in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers, adding that the funds have been frozen while efforts are underway to secure their forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Babafemi said Nigeria has become an increasingly hostile environment for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to relocate to other countries to evade arrest.
He, however, said the agency continues to monitor their activities through collaboration with its counterparts in the countries where they are hiding, with the aim of tracking them down and bringing them to justice.

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. Inducts thousands of new AK-47 rifles, pistols into operations after 36 years; hails President Tinubu for the milestone

In a historic shift aimed at bolstering its tactical capabilities against increasingly violent drug cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially commenced the formal induction of AK-47 rifles and advanced pistols into its operational architecture.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) disclosed this on Monday 29th June 2026 during the formal inauguration of a specialized Train-the-Trainer Course on Weapon Handling (AK-47 Rifle Type 56-1 and HS-9/CF98A Pistols) at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking at the landmark event, Marwa who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu noted that the development marks a critical milestone in the 36-year history of the Agency, driven by the changing dynamics of the war against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

“The nature of the war we fight has evolved,” Marwa stated, adding that “Drug trafficking organisations are no longer mere commercial criminal enterprises; they are armed, organised, and ruthless. Our officers face increasing danger in the field, and it would be unconscionable for this Agency to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve. This programme is, therefore, not just about firearms, it is about the preservation of lives and the projection of institutional strength.”

The NDLEA boss expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to boosting the Agency’s operational capacity, describing his leadership as the driving force behind the agency’s operational successes. He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for its timely intervention in providing the initial substantial consignment of firearms and ammunition to kickstart the training without delay.

Providing insights into the arms procurement, Marwa revealed that the process, which began in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), has reached its final stage. Thousands of procured arms and ammunition are scheduled for imminent delivery, with a precise distribution and accountability plan already approved. The NDLEA is also partnering with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate the strategic airlift of these assets across its commands nationwide.

The ongoing course, is designed to produce pioneer master trainers. Carefully selected from various commands based on merit, these pioneer participants will return to their respective formations to lead a mandatory, comprehensive one-month training programme for all personnel before the weapons are operationally deployed. “The weight of that responsibility should not be lost on you. You are the first. You are the standard-bearers. The operational culture, the safety ethos, the professional discipline that will define how the NDLEA handles weapons, all of that begins here, with you, in this academy, on this day”, he stated.

Marwa charged the participants to maintain the highest level of professionalism. According to him, “First, embrace discipline as your bedrock. Weapons handling is not a privilege — it is a grave responsibility. Every firearm must be treated with the seriousness it demands, at all times, in all circumstances.

“Second, internalise safety as a culture, not a checklist. Avoidable incidents are the result of complacency. The NDLEA cannot and will not tolerate negligence when it comes to the handling of arms and ammunition. We owe this standard to our colleagues and to the Nigerian public.

“Third, understand that proficiency is not just technical — it is ethical. The power that a firearm confers must always be tempered by restraint, judgement, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and rules of engagement. Our mandate is to protect lives, not to endanger them.

“Fourth, be worthy of the trust placed in you. When you stand before your colleagues as instructors, you carry with you not just technical knowledge but the authority of this institution. Teach with integrity, lead by example, and hold yourselves to the highest standards.”

Marwa expressed happiness over the transformation of NDLEA into a highly professionalized and feared adversary to drug lords, emphasizing that the induction of the tactical arms represents a new chapter of honour and enhanced security for the nation.

“I am proud of the extraordinary strides this Agency has made under our collective watch. In the past few years, the NDLEA has transformed into a more professional, more capable, and more feared adversary to drug criminals. We have recorded unprecedented seizures, dismantled criminal networks, and brought justice to traffickers who once believed themselves untouchable. The induction of more arms into our operational inventory is the next chapter in that story and it is a chapter that must be written with honour”, he added.