Category: Security

By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, has declared that the Commission as a Constitutionally empowered oversight body, remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the accountability and professionalism of the Nigeria Police.

DIG Argungu noted that the Commission’s shared goal ” is to build a policing system that is people-centred, transparent and guided by the rule of law”.He spoke at the occasion of the 41st anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) which held today, Thursday, 8th May, 2025 in Abuja and where he was represented by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations and Spokesman of the Commission. The PSC Chairman also noted that for over four decades, the PCRC has served as a vital bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and the Communities they serve. “Your unwavering commitment to fostering trust, promoting mutual respect, and enhancing public confidence in policing has not only stood the test of time but has also become a cornerstone of community policing in Nigeria ” he told the Members at the celebration.

According to the PSC Chairman, “today, we do not only celebrate the legacy of the PCRC, but we also honour the countless achievements made possible through collaboration, dialogue and active citizen participation in crime prevention and peacebuilding efforts across the nation “DIG Argungu said, strengthening the partnerships between the Police, the public and Oversight institutions like the Commission is not a mere aspiration- it is a necessity for a safer, more secure Nigeria”He remarked ” let us continue to work together – Government, Police, Communities, and Civil Society to deepen trust, embrace innovation, and institutionalize community-driven approaches that make our neighbourhoods safer for all”.The PSC Chairman noted that as we reflect on the progress of community policing in Nigeria, let us also look ahead with renewed resolve.

He congratulated them on the remarkable milestone and prayed that PCRC continue to flourish in its noble mission.

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:

“Our visit is to underscore the importance of our collaboration and to assure you that we’re ready to support your work. If there is any area of assistance you would like, we’ll be ready to assist you,”

-Ms Candace Spradley ( Director of INL in Nigeria )

Leadership,viewed from different perspectives as it relates to individuals, communities and countries and considered from the dimensions of politics,the social and economic spectrums, succeeds when the drivers key into partnerships and collaborations with those who share in similar visions. As the renowned American entrepreneur Sam Walton once posited: ” Individuals don’t win. But teams do”.

Yes, members of such a team must act like spokes in a bicycle wheel, each complementing the other to move the body forward.In the light of the above -stated, and as Nigeria grapples with different challenges in the search for good governance, one of the federal government’s agencies to glean lessons from is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,( NDLEA ). With Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa ( Retd ) as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since assuming office on January 18, 2021 the agency has recorded outstanding and remarkable achievements in the frontal battle against the deceitful and devious demons of both drug trafficking and its abuse, especially by the rudderless youth.

For instance, while calling for partnership with the United Kingdom, UK he revealed that the NDLEA within a short span of 38 months arrested a staggering number of 50, 901 drug offenders among who were 46 key players in the nefarious trading of hard drugs, with 7,561 tonnes of the illicit substances siezed. And out of these some 9,034 offenders have been successfully convicted. This is a feat and one decisive blow to the drug barons and their consciousness cartels. But these would not have taken place without the support of its partners, including the security operatives from several countries across the world.That perhaps explains, the assurance given by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) with the pledge to keep supporting the NDLEA, more so in the continued fight against illicit substances abuse and drug trafficking.

According to the Director of the INL, Ms Candace Spradley during her visit to the NDLEA office in Abuja on April 28, 2025, in the company of her colleague, Ms Ada Aki the United States government commends the giant strides taken by the Agency to carry out its statutory functions. In that wise, the INL has reiterated its commitment to deepening cooperation with the NDLEA. In fact, it is ready to do more to stem the tide of drug trafficking as well as its abuse.It is interesting to note, that in a similar vein to the support from the United States INL, the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has extolled its collaboration with the NDLEA in Nigeria in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. It noted that the fight is yielding positive results, as evidenced by the streak of successes recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent times.That is according to the Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen, who stated this when she led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield, on a courtesy visit to Marwa to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja.Worthy of note is her gratitude to Marwa for “excellent cooperation,” Pullen said the challenge of drug trafficking is a huge global issue which takes a huge global effort to try and counter.“

I think it’s evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities that your teams are finding that that cooperation is working exceptionally well and we are really enjoying working with your team on those successes,” she said. She also acknowledges the willingness of the NDLEA teams to work with that of the HOIO and do thing things differently.She noted that the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters built and donated by the UK government in Lagos was a significant marker in the cooperation between the Agency and HOIO. One cannot agree any less.Good enough, in response Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to curb the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, especially with the building and donation of the Marine Headquarters facility to the Agency and a similar operational facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command in Ikeja, Lagos, last year.With such pragmatic partnerships from foreign countries, it is quite understandable that Marwa was able to defend NDLEA ‘s N67.5bn 2025 Budget before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics in Abuja, with the level of confidence that he did. That was on January 14, 2025. He is appreciative of the remarkable courage and commitment aptly demonstrated by both committees. That is the type of partnership that MDAs need to carry out their constitutional duties under a democratic dispensation. The point being made here is the imperative of such symbiotic relationships to act as catalysts for the agencies to excel at their operations, all to the benefit of the people.The NDLEA has therefore, exhibited not just accountability and transparency in the discharge of its programs and projects but shown value for the public fund made available to it.

That is one profound lesson for others to learn from.It also explains why the agency keeps moving forward from one great achievement to another.With such a high level of confidence the NDLEA has generated it is understandable why, as its spokesman, Femi Babafemi explained it underscores the acceptance by some state governments to embrace its advocacy to make drug tests mandatory for appointees and employees. So, with that firmly in place, some politicians found guilty of the offence have been prosecuted. It makes a lot of sense, as the policy has been extrapolated to other sectors, with employers, higher institutions and even prospective couples also adopting the life-saving policy.Still on the issue of partnerships, it is gratifying that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged unwavering support for the NDLEA in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.That is specifically so within the nation’s maritime corridors. This resolve was emphasised during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting highlighted both agencies’ shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways from illegal activities. In the views of the NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the NDLEA’s relentless efforts under Marwa’s leadership, which have brought tangible progress in combating drug-related crimes is worthy of commendations.Without such collaboration it would have been one Herculean task for the NDLEA to discover an 80-room new hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos used as a cover for the distribution of illicit substances. A raid on the place uncovered a strong strain of cannabis with a total weight of 417.3 kilograms worth a whopping one billion forty-two million five hundred thousand naira! One can only imagine the number of precious lives such drugs would have wasted.

For the NDLEA to keep succeeding against all the odds, each and everyone of us has to play his part as parents, teachers, preachers and opinion leaders; to act as the moral compass to guide our younger generation of Nigerians right on the path to success in life.

How often do we stop to appreciate the people who make our lives easier — the tailor who always gets your fit right, the plumber who shows up in the rain, or the hair stylist who turns bad days into good ones with a simple touch-up?Well, Smile Communications is doing exactly that with the return of its heartwarming campaign, Smile Salutes 2.0!This year, the spotlight is on the unsung heroes across Nigeria — carpenters, fashion designers, plumbers, hair stylists, drivers, and even the tech support folks who rescue us from WiFi disasters.

Of course, office professionals are not left out either. If you show up, do your job with pride, and impact lives, this campaign is for you.“This campaign is about appreciation — pure and simple,” says ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “Too often, we overlook the people who keep our world running. Smile Salutes 2.0 is our way of saying, ‘We see you, and we appreciate you.’”Smile is using its platforms to spotlight people doing remarkable work, often in the background. It’s all about visibility — giving these everyday champions the credit and attention they deserve.You can follow along or even shout out someone awesome in your community by using the hashtag #SmileSalutes on social media.

So the next time someone fixes your leaking pipe, designs your wedding outfit, or helps get your child ready for school — take a moment to say thanks. Or better yet, join Smile in celebrating them. Because in the hustle and bustle of life, appreciation goes a long way.

By Ebinum Samuel

Notorious yahoo kingpin, Olamide, yesterday escaped from being nabbed by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Lagos.The guy who has been a guest of various security agents over several allegations was reported to escaped by whiskers through his informant that he recently bought a Venza vehicle for. The source disclosed that the operatives who arrived his Lekki area of residence early in the morning searched all the nooks and crannies of the area for him, but to no avail. “His informant was faster than the operatives. He probably escaped with a rickety vehicle” said the source.Only recently, Olamide, a specialist in Wire Transfer fraud was arrested by policemen from Abuja over various allegations made against by his partner in crime.

He was subsequently nabbed and taken to Abuja where he was let off the hook after a “deal” with his partner simply identified as General.”Olamide has matters in Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Zone 2, IRT, IGP Office and National Cybercrime Center. Now he’s wanted by EFCC. The question is that this young man who is yet to attain 30 years of age, how long would he continue to run away from security agents”? asked a resident .

By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs today, Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 forged a new partnership to support the Nigeria Police Force in a collective pursuit of a more efficient, accountable and citizen-focused policing in Nigeria.The new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya on behalf of his Minister, led a strong delegation of Directors and heads of relevant Departments and Divisions in the Ministry on a courtesy visit to the Commission where they were received by the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The full complements of the Commission’s management Staff were also in the Meeting.According Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s spokesman,DIG Argungu commended the initiative stressing that it will open better and rewarding channels of communication between the two government Agencies. The PSC Chairman noted that there must be robust collaboration between Police oversight Agencies for effective and efficient policing. He said the Commission has been working closely with the Ministry and will continue to do that in the interest of national security. ” there must be mutual respect, no body can do it alone, regular consultations is imperative and this is a good beginning ” he noted.

The Permanent Secretary told his host that the visit underscores the importance the Ministry attaches to the crucial work of the Commission. Dr. Ogbonnaya said he led the delegation to the Commission to foster a stronger working relationship and open channels of communication between the two government Agencies. “We recognise that our mandates are intrinsically linked, and effective collaboration is paramount to achieving our shared goals within the security architecture of Nigeria”, he remarked.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry deeply appreciates the significant role the Commission plays in overseeing the recruitment, promotion, discipline and overall welfare of Members of the Nigeria Police Force adding ” your independence and commitment to upholding standards of professionalism and integrity are vital to building public trust and ensuring the effectiveness of our police “Dr. Ogbonnaya observed that there are key areas where closer collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission could yield significant benefits.

•Senate moves to tackle killings as retired military chiefs, Reps lament insurgents’ use of sophisticated arms

Retired military generals have again called on the Federal Government to urgently equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, amid growing concerns over the resurgence of terrorists’ attacks and killings in the North-East.

This comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed deep concern over a recent deadly attack on a military facility in Giwa, Borno State, describing the incident as a glaring indicator that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than the military.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the lawmakers lamented the gradual return of the terrorist group and the loss of lives in recent times in Borno and neighbouring Yobe States.

Though budgetary allocations to the defence and security sectors have steadily increased, there have been complaints and questions about the quality and volume of arms available to the troops.

In 2023, the Federal Government earmarked N2.98 trillion for defence and security. This rose to N3.25 trillion in the 2024 budget, and for 2025, President Bola Tinubu proposed a record N4.91tn out of the N49.7tn national budget, aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of security agencies.

Despite these substantial investments, Nigeria continues to grapple with deep-rooted security challenges, including insurgency and banditry.

The Defence Headquarters did not respond to the assertion by the House that the troops are ill-equipped when contacted on Tuesday.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, referred inquiries to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye. But Kangye did not respond to phone calls or a text message sent to him on the issue.

However, retired senior military officers urged the Federal Government to prioritise the procurement of modern combat equipment and improved intelligence support to the frontline troops.

They warned that without immediate intervention, the hard-won gains in the war against insurgency could be reversed.

Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) said the question of whether terrorists are better armed than the Nigerian military “is no longer rhetorical.”

Describing it as a red flag that demanded urgent intervention, Aro warned that the insurgent groups have evolved from ragtag militias to highly equipped forces with access to encrypted communications, drone surveillance, night-vision devices, GPS-guided explosives, and coordinated strike systems.

He stated,  “While our troops remain committed and valiant, the battlefield has shifted from muscle to machine. Without matching this evolution, we risk sending brave soldiers into asymmetric warfare ill-equipped for modern threats. This isn’t about panic, it’s about parity.

“To stay ahead, Nigeria must make an urgent, strategic shift: fund intelligence, equip the army, and fast-track tech superiority. Gadgets that drive modern warfare, from satellite-linked sensors to AI-based surveillance tools, are prohibitively expensive, yet necessary.

“The army, under the leadership of one of the most competent, tested, and forward-thinking Chiefs of Army Staff in recent times, cannot afford to be left behind. He has the vision, the field experience, and the strategic acumen; what he needs now is full backing. Not just in words, but in robust budgetary commitments that reflect the true cost of winning an intelligence-driven war. The political leaders must show they have the willpower to take crucial decisions.”

Similarly, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi called for the military to be empowered with advanced intelligence-gathering tools such as surveillance drones and surveillance technologies that could aid in planning and executing strategic counterterrorism operations.

“You see what they (the terrorists) carry—it is above what our military is carrying,” Adewinbi affirmed. “We need equipment that can gather intelligence, monitor insurgents’ activities so the military knows what action to take,” he added.

Beyond a military solution, Adewinbi advocated for strong political will to address the root causes of insecurity, warning that some political actors may be exploiting the crisis for personal or partisan gain.

“They should be more stringent with whoever is involved in banditry or terrorist activities, regardless of who they are. Nigeria is our country, you don’t invite an enemy from outside just to discredit your political opponent, “ he said.

He also decried Nigeria’s porous borders, which he described as an open gateway for individuals with dangerous intentions. “Anybody can go and come, anyhow, anytime, without being monitored,” he noted.

A former spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), demanded strict accountability, pointing out that without proper monitoring, funds allocated to the armed forces may be misused.

Speaking in an interview, Shehu said, “If you allow the military on their own to decide how to do their work and how to spend their money, the funds won’t get anywhere. In a democracy, either the executive branch or the legislature is supposed to be in a position to check these people. The system is awash with money, but there must be accountability.’’

According to him, the Nigerian public did not elect the service chiefs, and as such, the responsibility for ensuring that defence funds are well spent lies squarely with the elected officials.

“People do not elect the Chief of Army Staff or the Chief of Air Staff. They elected the president and lawmakers. They are the ones responsible. Yes, you are giving the military money, but did you follow the money and see where it was put?” he queried.

He likened the situation to household spending, saying, “Even if you give your wife a million naira and you don’t check how the children are feeding, she might be the kind of woman that likes buying gold or spending at ceremonies. Certainly, you gave her one million – there’s no doubt about that – but what is being done with that money? There is no oversight. There’s no oversight by the executive, there’s no oversight by the legislature.”

During the resumption of plenary on Tuesday,  the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Satomi, presented a motion of urgent public importance on the renewed attacks by terrorists in his state.

Rallying support for the motion, Satomi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, lamented the recent fire incident in Giwa Barracks and the attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States.

On May 1, 2025, fire engulfed the military base; an incident the military command attributed to ‘’friendly fire.’’

“The fire incident affected the ammunition facility within the barracks, and some munitions exploded, causing loud bangs. Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Maiduguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire,” a military statement clarified.

Speaking during the session, Santomi said, “I rise to move a motion of urgent public importance regarding the recent fire incident at the armoury at Giwa Barracks and the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States.

“The House is aware that Boko Haram has escalated its attacks on several military formations, with several soldiers killed. The recent surge in Boko Haram attacks on military formations is deeply alarming, and also, the bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel are being tested by these relentless assaults.”

In his contribution, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) called on the parliament to prevail on the relevant government departments to discharge their responsibility.

“As a National Assembly, we have been doing our best. We have been speaking against these ills, but Nigerians are being killed daily. We cannot continue like this.

“The departments of government should be made to account for their responsibility. We are moving to a level where Nigerians will fight against us the way they are fighting against Boko Haram. If action is not taken, Nigerians will take their destiny in their hands,” Gagdi warned.

Also speaking, the member representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno, Ahmed Jaha, supported the motion, calling for action to protect the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.

“What is happening in Borno is very dangerous. While these innocent citizens are running, Boko Haram will be pushing them, riding brand new motorcycles and armed with newly purchased AK-47 rifles.

“We can no longer pretend that all is well. Boko Haram is coming back stronger and is more sophisticatedly armed than the Nigerian military. They are using armed drones, weaponised drones, which the Nigerian army is not using. In other words, they are more sophisticated and advanced than the Nigerian Army,” he lamented.

“I observe one thing, sir. Boko Haram is coming back worse than what we had in the past. Take it or leave it,’’ he alerted the House.

On her part, the member representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency, Borno, Zainab Gimba, urged the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and make Nigeria safe for all citizens.

She said, “In my constituency, there was a Boko Haram attack on a military formation of the multinational joint task force, where more than 20 soldiers were killed.

“I visited that formation and the commander told me that out of nearly 100 soldiers in that formation, only six are Nigerian soldiers. It is a multinational joint task force where we expect to have, if not an equal number, at least a substantive number of Nigerian military men in that formation.”

Joining the conversation, Lawan Shettima (APC, Yobe), said, “The majority of my motions this year are about insecurity. Mr Speaker, nothing has been done, and the pressure is being mounted day by day. Our people are being killed every day.

“I want this House to come up with another idea to deal with this problem. Mr Speaker, we have to think about how to create a law that will allow our people to protect themselves,” he argued.

Lagos lawmaker, Babajimi Benson, lamented that though the Federal Government has allocated a lot of resources to tackle security, not much has been achieved.

“I stand here with a sense of responsibility and humility to say that the presidency has expended so much money, so many resources on the Nigerian military without commensurate results. Mr Speaker, I also say with all sense of responsibility that Mr President has, on many occasions, put the creation of state police on the front burner. Yet, not much has been achieved,” he lamented.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to investigate the cause of the fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury and report back for immediate action to prevent future occurrences.

 It also resolved to “Conduct a thorough review of security measures in military installations to prevent similar incidents.”

The lawmakers further agreed to “Strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe states to protect military personnel and civilians and provide support and compensation to families of soldiers affected by these incidents.”

Concerns over Otukpo insecurity

 The House of Representatives expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

This followed the frequent killings of defenceless Nigerians in the North Central state recently by armed herdsmen.

Raising the issue on the floor of the House, Benue lawmaker Blessing Onuh said the peace the ancient city was known for has been shattered by the reckless killings of the people in the past few years.

“Otukpo has always been known for its peace and hospitality. However, in recent years, we have witnessed heinous and senseless killings perpetrated by armed herders.

“These are predominantly farming communities. Our people can no longer access their farmlands,  which not only threatens their livelihoods but also poses a grave risk to food production and sufficiency in the region,” Onuh stressed.

In its resolution, the House condemned the killings in the strongest terms and called on the National Security Adviser and the service chiefs to deploy maximum security personnel in the affected areas to restore peace and order.

“We must act swiftly to protect lives and properties,” the House declared. “The perpetrators of these barbaric acts must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the victims of the attacks.

As a show of solidarity, the House resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the people of Otukpo and observed a one-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

 Senate plans summit

On its part, the Senate resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to proffer solutions to the rising wave of killings and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo South, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.

Last month, gunmen, in a senseless campaign of violence, killed scores of citizens in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara States.

 Leading the debate, Ibrahim said global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and south.

According to him, the issues have continuously worsened food insecurity and affected the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The former Ondo governorship aspirant emphasised that the ongoing trade tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs are gradually giving way to a new world order.

“This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said.

Continuing, Ibrahim said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the Senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest

“The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally.

“There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military,” he stated.

He, therefore, called for an “empirical fact-finding national security summit” to develop far-reaching solutions.

The senator representing Katsina South, Mohammed Dandutse, seconded the motion, saying the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback.

“Nigeria is blessed; we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security. The security agencies are given funding. So there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources,” he noted.

The senators representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, however, disagreed with the proposal. Both lawmakers argued that a security summit may not be the solution.

The senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam and the senate minority leader, Abba Moro, backed Ibrahim’s motion.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.

Akpabio, however, proposed that the summit should be held for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.

The Senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja

The event will involve delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.

‘62,595 suspects arrested, 11,628 convicted and 10.3million kilograms illicit drugs seized in 51 months’

By Ebinum Samuel

State governments have been charged to embrace and entrench community-based interventions that will curb the impact of the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the grassroots in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP).The charge was the highpoint of remarks by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa; Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Cheikh Ousmane Toure as well as ECOWAS representative, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah at a training workshop organized by NDLEA for the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum in Abuja on Tuesday 6th May 2025.

In her keynote address to the gathering, Senator Tinubu who was represented by wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Jibrin Barau commended the NDLEA, and NGSF for the initiative aimed at advancing drug control efforts to the grassroots across the country. She specifically commended Marwa and his team “for courageously confronting the fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the country.”According to her, “This training cannot be coming at any better time than now when statistics and daily life experiences are revealing that drugs have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our communities. As a nation, we are confronted with a growing crisis, one that affects the very core of our society, the health, safety, and future of our children.“The rising tide of drug and substance abuse amongst adolescents is a challenge that we must no longer ignore or tackle in isolation. It requires concerted efforts, community-driven response, one that integrates enforcement, education, family support, and sustained intervention. Our presence at this training testifies to the collective resolve we display in ensuring that we strengthen, secure, and safeguard families and communities.“Today’s training will ensure that we are adequately armed with the right knowledge, tools, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively tackle this complex issue. It is my hope that this capacity-building workshop, through honest discussions and sharing of best practices, will provide valuable insights into evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches, especially targeting marginalized and vulnerable communities. “I urge us to utilize the knowledge gathered at this training to develop viable solutions while collaborating with relevant stakeholders, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other law enforcement agencies, MDAs, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders.“Let us always bear in mind that as state First Ladies, you owe our people the duty to lead by example, to bear their burden, and share in their pain as we jointly confront drug abuse in our society.

I urge us to continue to provide the right direction through prevention initiatives, advocating for those whose voices have been silenced by addiction, providing community interventions to support recovery and reintegrate people into communities after treatment. “Let us approach the formidable task ahead with humility, doggedness, and commitment to enable us to build communities where our children are protected from harm and empowered to thrive. Together, we can change the narrative, restore dignity to our communities, and ensure a healthier, safer future for all Nigerians.”In his welcome address, Marwa noted that the drug scourge obstructs progress and dims prospects in an already beleaguered world. “Regrettably, Nigeria is not immune to this scourge, which steadily infiltrates every stratum of our society. Statistics, academic research, and lived experiences alike reveal a grim reality about illicit drug use and consequences in the country. The magnitude and impact of the drug crisis render the attainment of our national aspiration—improving the health and security of all who dwell within our borders, as enshrined in the National Drug Control Master Plan 2021–2025—a daunting yet inevitable task for any government and people worthy of the name.”He said it is imperative for all stakeholders at the workshop to adopt urgent, holistic, and inclusive strategies to dismantle the drug menace. According to him, “Over the past four years, the NDLEA has pursued this mission with renewed and unwavering zeal, ensuring that Nigeria’s hard-won global and regional drug control successes are not merely preserved but expanded.“Permit me to inform this distinguished gathering that over the four years, the NDLEA has deployed substantial resources towards a comprehensive assault on the drug problem, yielding significant outcomes. Under the drug supply reduction mandate—encompassing drug seizures, arrests, prosecutions, and convictions—we recorded the arrest of 62,595 drug suspects (Including 68 drug barons), the seizure of 10,317,137.55 kilograms of assorted drugs, and secured the conviction of 11,628 offenders. Furthermore, 1,330.56553 hectares of cannabis farms were identified and destroyed.“To ensure a balanced approach in accordance with international best practices, equal emphasis has been placed on drug demand reduction.

Between January 2021 and March 2025, a total of 24,375 drug users received counselling and treatment at NDLEA facilities, primarily through brief interventions. Concurrently, 10,501 drug sensitisation programmes were conducted nationwide under the auspices of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign, reaching diverse target groups within communities. In parallel, a remarkable 3, 843, 789 participants were mobilized to partake in these enlightenment initiatives undertaken across the nation.”He charged the stakeholders not surrender to despair over the menace of drug abuse. “As patriots and vanguards of our nation’s well-being, it falls on us to strengthen our resolve, to move with deliberate speed towards practical and lasting resolutions that will, God willing, break the vicious cycle of drug abuse. This capacity building event represents a stride, small though it may seem, in the proper direction.“Since it is at the community level that the burden of the drug menace is most acutely felt, it is vital that stakeholders, including all of us gathered here today, address the different dimensions of the problem from a community-centred perspective. This gathering must strive for common ground, developing indigenous and pragmatic solutions that go beyond mere statistics and harrowing headlines, addressing instead the real and harrowing human toll of drug abuse.”He expressed confidence that the training will strengthen capacities, harness community resources, and unlock the potential needed to formulate and implement evidence-based interventions that will salvage and rejuvenate every segment of beleaguered communities. “Let us, as frontliners, ever remember: the cost of inaction is infinitely higher than the cost of collective action.

Your Excellencies, your roles as mothers, changemakers, and drivers of the State Drug Control Committees (SDCC) place upon you a sacred trust—a responsibility not to be borne lightly. Through your ingenuity, your states may yet emerge as shining examples, immortalised in gold as bastions of hope that defied the tides of darkness.“The SDCCs remain a potent platform for fostering multisectoral collaboration in the crucial task of drug demand reduction at the state level. I must fervently implore you to ensure the establishment, strengthening, and revitalisation of these Committees across your respective states. Let us always remember that the value of these training events lies not in the richness of their content alone, but in the continued motion and effectiveness of the SDCCs—moving resolutely towards our collective aspiration of a drug-free, resilient Nigeria”, he added.Also speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Rep Cheikh Ousmane Toure stated that “If the root of this crisis lies in our neighborhoods, schools, and homes, then the solution must too.

The National Drug Control Master Plan and the WADA initiative remind us of that national framework alone cannot heal fractured communities. Lasting change begins when states and local governments own this fight.”He reminded the first ladies that their influence transcends politics, adding that “you are the custodian of trust in your states. When you speak, community listens. When you act, local governments follow. Today, I urge us to channel this unique power into three pillars of action. Number one, state-led resource mobilization. Every state must prioritize dedicated budget for prevention and treatment. This means establishing a state-specific drug control task force to align with NDLEA’s national efforts, allocating local government funds to build community drop-in centres, safe space for counseling, and care within walking distance of those in need.” The UNODC chief stated further that states must adopt evidence-based programmes to their cultural contexts, and decentralize treatment access. The head of ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah spoke in same light in his goodwill message, urging state governments to invest in prevention and treatment efforts at the state and community-levels.Experts who served as resource persons during the technical session of the workshop include: Dr. Martins Agwogie, Prof. Akintunde Oyedokun, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, Dr. Kunle Adeshina, Dr. Abubakar Salami, Dr. Kunle Adeshina and Dr. Ngozi Madubuike.