. Commissions accommodation blocks for personnel in Kano, rehab facility

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged officers and men of the Agency to remain resolute and steadfast in the ongoing onslaught against illicit drug trafficking and dealers.

Marwa gave the charge on Saturday 19th April 2025 while commissioning blocks of terrace flats accommodation newly constructed for personnel of the Zonal Command, Kano Command, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command, and officers of the Strike Force Team of the Agency deployed to Kano as well as a rehabilitation facility.
He said the commissioning stands as yet another testimony to President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of security personnel including NDLEA.

“We are acutely aware that the effectiveness of our officers hinges not merely upon their training and tools, but also upon the quality of their living conditions. A secure and decent home front empowers the spirit, sharpens the mind, and steels the resolve of those tasked with the solemn duty of safeguarding our society from the scourge of illicit drugs”, he noted.
While recalling that the first ever NDLEA barrack in its 35-year history was commissioned in Yola, Adamawa state in February, Marwa disclosed that the Agency has just completed another barrack in Abuja, which is due for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that similar projects are at various stages of completion in Enugu and Lagos.

He justified the provision of decent accommodation for the Agency’s workforce. “These structures we commission today are not mere edifices of brick and mortar; they are symbols of peace, assurance, and respect. They reflect the value we place on our officers and an affirmation of our enduring pledge to uplift their standard of living. The challenges we face in this noble task are immense.

The war against drug abuse and trafficking is not for the faint-hearted—it demands unyielding courage, iron discipline, and a resolute sense of purpose. With improved living conditions, our officers are fortified—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to bear the burden of this vital mission.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices being made daily by NDLEA officers to rid the country of illicit drugs and urged them to continue to stand up to the challenge of the drug menace. “I wish to sincerely acknowledge and commend the dedication and hard work of all NDLEA officers serving in Kano. The records of arrests, seizures, and convictions over the past twelve months—both in quantity and quality—have been impressive. As a state with an international border and an international airport, the importance of securing Kano against drug trafficking cannot be overstated. Therefore, NDLEA officers in this territory must continue to rise to the challenge. While we applaud the performance so far, we also look forward to even greater results in the future.”

He urged personnel who will inhabit the buildings to treat the facilities with care and discipline, adding that the commissioning is a notable milestone in the determined march toward a more resilient, people-focused, and mission-driven NDLEA. “Let us, together, continue to build an institution that stands for excellence, inspires loyalty, and never ceases to support its personnel.”

The NDLEA boss thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support for the Agency. “Our gratitude equally extends to the many stakeholders who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the pursuit of our constitutional mandate”, he added.
He seized the opportunity to decorate the Zonal Commander, Zone 5 Command of the Agency, Maryam Gambo Sani with her new rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, has asked Nigerian Christians to use the Easter period to pray for Compassionate leaders who will share in their pains.

Obi, in an Easter message on Saturday, said that Compassionate leaders always think of the people in the consequences of their actions and inactions.

“At Easter, what Christians celebrate is the huge sacrifice Jesus Christ made for mankind.
“Therefore, there is no better time to pray for tender-hearted and caring leaders for our country than at Easter when we saw in Jesus a remarkable, compassionate leader.

Obi noted that “what is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders.

Nigeria deserves better leadership than they are getting to turn the natural and human capital gifts from God to the benefit of the populace.

Finally, Obi urged fellow Nigerians and obedient families across the globe never to despair in the face of any tribulations because our Redeemer is living and active, assuring us that a New Nigeria is possible.
Happy Easter.

A family of eight and nine others have been reportedly killed in what appeared to be a coordinated attack by armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.

Several people also sustained severe injuries, while many have gone missing.

The attack came less than 24 hours after residents of the area raised the alarm over the influx of AK-47-bearing herders who moved freely around the communities, unrestricted.

A source in the area disclosed that the armed herdsmen stormed Tyuluv, Saror, and Mbawar communities Thursday night, “and started shooting indiscriminately into early Friday and killing several persons and injured many.”
“Before the attack, they came to our communities with thousands of cows armed with AK-47 rifles, but no one could talk to them because they were ready to kill anyone.

“As we speak, people are fleeing their homes, and the painful thing is that nowhere is safe anymore because they are almost everywhere.

“Among those they killed in Ukum was a family of eight, including children and women who could not escape before they got to them.

“From what we heard, the people also attacked neighboring Logo LGA, and this morning, corpses were being moved from the villages to the mortuary at Anyiin. Those killed in the two LGAs were so many.

“From all indications, they want to take over the Sankera axis of Benue State, which is the food basket of the state. It is a dire situation because our people are already preparing to commence the season’s farming, and this is happening. Food is already very expensive in the state, and now this is happening.”

Confirming the development, the Benue State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent CSP Catherine Anene, said 17 bodies had been removed from the scenes of the attacks.

Part of the statement read, “On April 17, 2025, at about 9 p.m., information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum LGA.

“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Mr. Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on the ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them.
Five persons were recovered in the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

“Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo LGA, where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.

“However, security agencies within the Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around the Taraba axis.

“The Police Commissioner warns social media users who are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.

“He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourages the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”