News
Marwa inaugurates historic weapon handling training course for NDLEA officers in Jos(Photos)
. 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.
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with trade, consular matters, education and cultural cooperation taking centre stage during talks between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by India.
The summit is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, said the welfare of Nigerians living in India was among the major issues discussed by the two ministers.
A key concern was the situation of Nigerians who have overstayed their visas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the Indian authorities for an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to allow affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without facing penalties.
The ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The proposed agreement would establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
On economic relations, the two sides examined opportunities for increasing trade and investment, while stressing the importance of building stronger and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Education and cultural exchanges also featured in the discussions, with both countries recognising the sectors as important tools for strengthening people-to-people relations.
Greater cooperation in these areas, the statement said, is expected to promote mutual understanding while creating more opportunities for citizens of Nigeria and India.
The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to use its participation in the BRICS platform to strengthen bilateral partnerships, attract greater economic opportunities and advance South-South cooperation.
Nigeria’s engagement with India comes as both countries seek to broaden their areas of cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria is seeking to tap into India’s experience in technology and youth engagement as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria is expected to pursue opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.
The high-level Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand economic and diplomatic relations with major emerging economies.
A major focus of Nigeria’s engagement at the summit will be India’s progress in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, particularly its approach to harnessing its large youthful population.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s experience offered important lessons for Nigeria, especially in agriculture, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the participation of women in the technology sector.
She said Nigeria was determined to learn from India’s expertise and its “greatest strength” in engaging young people to promote innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.
The minister stressed that India’s ability to deploy technology while creating opportunities for its youthful population could provide useful ideas for Nigeria as it seeks to expand its digital economy and create more opportunities for its young people.
Beyond technology and youth development, Nigeria is expected to use its participation in the BRICS Summit to strengthen economic ties with India and other emerging economies.
The country will also seek to attract investment and expand cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and industrial development as it explores ways of turning its BRICS partnership into tangible economic opportunities.
Nigeria’s participation underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to deepen engagement with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting technology-driven growth and sustainable development.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of his “Rainbow Coalition” and all his political activities.
Wike made the declaration on Tuesday night while speaking on Arise News Prime Time.
“There is nothing that I do that I don’t tell Mr. President,” he stated.
The FCT Minister said he was mobilizing support across party lines for the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027 under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition.”
He has consistently maintained that his support is solely for the President, and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a party.
Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), said his actions are not done in secret, stressing that the President is carried along at all times.
Wike also said he is not answerable to governors elected on the platform of the APC.
“I’m not answerable to APC governors.
“If people fail to learn from other people, they don’t grow. I took 31 days to commission projects in the FCT and they are not happy,” he added.
Turning to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, Wike said: “Hope Uzodimma should be lucky that I’m not in the APC. Hope fears for nothing.
“When I look at the APC governors who held the press conference, I see some people who are smart but politically lazy. Hope Uzodinma was the governor of Imo State, yet President Tinubu could not secure 10% of the votes there.
“Hope in his own state, Imo state, he was Governor. President Tinubu didn’t get 10% votes in the 2023 elections, but he took two senators and Labour Party took one senator. Is he saying Imo people were confused, or were they not confused?
“The governors of Osun, Anambra and Abia States are supporting the President reelection. Won’t they still support the candidates of their parties in other elections? So where is the confusion?”
Speaking about Rivers State, the Minister said; Becauseof our rainbow coalition, we no longer have Rivers of blood. There is no litigation on party candidates in Rivers State, unlike Imo State.”
When asked where else in the South-South the President can win, the Minister replied: “That can happen in Bayelsa State. The whole PDP there is working for the President. The founder of the NDC is not the founder of Bayelsa.”
“As I sit here today, I will tell you that the President will win in the FCT,” he added.
Nigeria-India Deepen Ties as Trade, Consular Issues Dominate BRICS Talks
Nigeria Eyes India’s Tech Edge, Youth Power at BRICS Summit
Wike: Tinubu privy to my rainbow coalition, says I’m not answerable to APC governors
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