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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.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that indigenous contractors have come of age and are now capable of delivering projects to the same standard as their foreign counterparts, following the successful completion of the Karu road project in Abuja.

Speaking during the commissioning of the road by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wike disclosed that he initially had reservations about awarding the contract to a local firm, Abdul-Val Constructions Limited, because of his previous experiences with some indigenous contractors who failed to deliver after collecting mobilisation funds.

“I was initially sceptical about giving this company the job because of my past experience as a local government chairman and governor. When you give some local contractors money to build, they start eating the profit before commencing the job. Before you know it, you are chasing them around and even involving the police. I didn’t want that experience again,” Wike said.

The minister explained that the contractor personally appealed for an opportunity, prompting the FCT Administration to first test the firm’s capacity with the execution of the War College-Ushafa Road project commissioned last year.

“But this young man came to my office pleading that we should give him the opportunity. If you remember, last year we commissioned the War College-Ushafa Road. That was the trial project. He showcased himself and convinced me that local contractors have come of age and can do what foreign companies can do,” he stated.

Wike further commended the contractor for demonstrating commitment by keeping work ongoing even when payments had not been made.

“One thing I noticed is that whether the money was available or not, they never abandoned the site. They kept working and kept telling me, ‘Mr. Minister, I believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will complete the project because I know government will pay.’ That kind of confidence is rare these days, and I want to sincerely commend him.”

He noted that the contractor fulfilled his promise by completing not only the road but also the accompanying drainage infrastructure in time for the President’s third anniversary project commissioning programme.

“I was afraid we would not finish this job before the anniversary activities, but he assured me that it would be completed. Today, he has fulfilled that promise, and on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, I say thank you for believing in this government.”

The minister said the successful execution of the project has strengthened his confidence in indigenous construction firms and demonstrated that Nigerian companies can deliver quality infrastructure when given the opportunity.

Wike also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the construction of all roads within Karu Town, noting that the administration has fulfilled its promise to residents by delivering the requested infrastructure.

“As you are coming into this area, you can see that the entire landscape has changed. We promised the people of Karu that all the roads they requested, including the EFCC Road, DSS Road, hospital road and others, would be constructed. Today, we have fulfilled that promise.”

He maintained that quality infrastructure should be appreciated irrespective of political affiliation.

“I don’t know who does not like good things. It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. When you see good things, you acknowledge them. Nobody can hate this road because this is what development is supposed to be.”

The minister thanked President Tinubu for his continued support to the FCT Administration, noting that the President had devoted nine days out of the 14-day project commissioning programme to personally inaugurate projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that the reconstruction of roads in Karu and the adjoining Nyanya-Mararaba corridor would significantly improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life for residents.

“We want every community and every district in the FCT to know that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, development will reach every part of Abuja. All we ask is for Nigerians to continue supporting this government because, in the end, everyone will benefit,” Wike said.

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No fewer than 76 ISWAP terrorists have abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops within the North-East theatre of operations as part of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), and continued operational successes.

The North East geopolitical zone comprises six states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.

In a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, revealed that among those who surrendered were key members of the terrorist network, due to relentless military pressure.

“The development highlights the devastating impact of the sustained offensive by Operation HADIN KAI, which continues to dismantle terrorist strongholds, disrupt command and logistics structures, and deny the insurgents freedom of action across the theatre”.

“Persistent military operations have continued to degrade the terrorists’ combat capabilities while eroding confidence within their ranks and leadership. Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some families surrendered to troops”

“They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing, and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols,” the statement reads in part.

According to Captain Goni, the operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, combining precision combat operations, intelligence-led engagements, and coordinated joint efforts with partners.
He added that “the Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mission to completely defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East and the pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender”.

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