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Nigeria’s next drug control master plan must address emerging threats, says Marwa

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Declares open UNODC, ECOWAS backed workshop on NDCMP 2026-2030, tasks MDAs, stakeholders

By Ebinum Samuel

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition on Monday 6th October 2025 in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country. The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to the NDLEA boss, “The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned. It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.”

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years. “It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future”, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented. “I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders”, he stated.

He thanked ECOWAS Commission “for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners — the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector — for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure.”

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far. “Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics — whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures — all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

“This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control”, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

“The Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

“The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

“This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges”, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

‘My wife is a pastor, I’m a Muslim’ – President Tinubu says as he asks Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance

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President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, October 4, appealed to Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance. According to him, religion should be a unifying factor and not one used to cause division.

 

The President said this at the funeral service of Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

 

He shared a personal reflection on religious coexistence within his own family, explaining that while he practises Islam, his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, is a pastor and that their religion never gets in the way of them living happily as a married couple.

I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me. No conflict. And I never did, at any single time, try to convince her or convert her. I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same Almighty God. We will answer to Him, our deeds, our character, and our love for our fellow beings are what truly matter, not the method or faith of our being.”he said

 

He offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Lydia Yilwatda, who died in August at the age of 83, describing her as a woman of deep faith and service.

NDLEA smashes cocaine cartels behind 6 UK-bound shipments, arrests arrowhead, 5 others

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By Ebinum Samuel     Uncovers 20.5kg cocaine in walls of cups, body cream, hair gel containers; destroys 24,897kg skunk in Edo, Osun forests   In series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode who parades as a businessman and real estate developer. The beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025 when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested. Further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment and after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody. During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia before settling in the UK. In like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA. The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September following the seizure of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport. The apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday 30th September at his 3 Arowojobe street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him. Same day, another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with similar mode of concealment also going to the UK was also intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect. Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday 2nd October. Two suspects: Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa linked to the seizures were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg cocaine while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine. The bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bedsheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies, while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a check point along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday 2nd October led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290, 450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules. In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday 30th September arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him. Three other suspects: Idris Lukman; Fuad Abdulsalam and Mobolaji James were nabbed same day in Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered. While a total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state on Monday 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday 2nd October. In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol. Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of same psychoactive substance. In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA and a suspect Ineh Excellent Obindi, 28, arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year, (a.ka Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms. Operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday 2nd October. In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others. “We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations; from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership. These successful operations should serve as a warning that NDLEA will not relent until the threat posed by the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated because every arrest, seizure and assets forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions”, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated while commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi and FCT Commands as well as their compatriots across the country for their tenacity, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

5 killed as Dangote truck loses brakes, crushes tricycle

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Tragedy struck on Friday night in Ogun State when a Dangote Cement truck lost control and crushed five people to death along the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto–Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.

 

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi.

 

According to Akinbiyi, the accident happened after the truck “lost its brakes and rammed into a tricycle conveying the five victims.”

 

He identified the vehicles involved as “an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with the number plate GRZ 767 XA.”

Akinbiyi added that upon receiving the report, “the Acting TRACE Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue team to the scene.”

 

It was gathered that the officials faced resistance from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps helped to restore calm.

 

“The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,” Akinbiyi said.

 

In a separate incident earlier that day, several lives were feared lost after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.

 

TRACE spokesperson Akinbiyi confirmed the development, explaining that the blaze started around 1 a.m. on Friday.

In

his statement, he said, “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today.”

The crash, which occurred “along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control,” also led to the destruction of other vehicles and a PHCN power cable supplying electricity to Mowe and nearby communities.

Although the exact number of casualties was yet to be determined, Akinbiyi said rescue operations involving TRACE, the Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, FRSC, and the Police were ongoing to restore normalcy after putting out the fire and conducting decantation.

 

Police warn against parallel new yam festival

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The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups against organising rival New Yam Festival celebrations in defiance of community leaders recognised by state government.

 

Anambra Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement released on Friday in Awka, stressing that such parallel gatherings could spark unrest.

 

“Following security information regarding the ongoing new yam celebration across various communities in Anambra, the police command has strongly warned individuals and groups against any acts capable of breaching the peace.

 

“In particular, any attempt to organise parallel events or to undermine or disrespect community/government-recognised leadership during the festivities will not

tolerated, as offenders will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Ikenga stated.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and tactical units to step up visibility policing, intelligence gathering, and patrols to guarantee peace throughout the celebrations.

“These measures are aimed at ensuring maximum security, law and order before, during and after the celebrations,” Ikenga added.

While extending warm felicitations to the people of Anambra, the Command wished all communities a peaceful and joyous festival as they mark the culturally significant New Yam celebration.

Boko Haram once nominated Buhari to lead their team – Jonathan

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      Former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents once selected ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to speak on their behalf during proposed peace talks with the Federal Government.   Jonathan made the revelation on Friday in Abuja during the public presentation of Scars, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.).   According to him, his government set up multiple committees to explore dialogue with the terror group. In one of such attempts, the insurgents named Buhari as their preferred mediator. Jonathan said this gave him the impression that Buhari would have had a better chance to negotiate their surrender once he became president. However, he noted that the crisis endured throughout Buhari’s tenure.   He explained: “One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.   “So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today.” Jonathan stressed that Buhari’s inability to completely end the insurgency showed that the Boko Haram challenge was deeper than many perceived.   He said: “If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.   “I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.”   Jonathan urged Nigeria to adopt a broader approach to resolving the crisis, noting that poverty alone did not account for the group’s persistence. He recalled that his administration tried several strategies that did not yield the desired results: “If it was only about hunger—because we tried different options—I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books. But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari, too, must have tried his best.”   Jonathan also described the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls as an indelible scar on his presidency. He expressed hope that insurgent leaders, like actors of the Nigerian Civil War, might one day document their motives to provide clearer insights into their actions.   He said: “It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram. What did they really want? … I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done, so that people will truly understand what they wanted. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.”   The former president further argued that Boko Haram’s access to sophisticated weapons indicated external support, insisting that a carrot-and-stick strategy might be necessary to defeat the group.   He said: “Issue of carrots and the stick may be adopted, and yes, probably the needs are there, but if you look at the weapons they use, and you value the weapons, then you know that these are not hungry people.   “So, the soldiers that sometimes capture some of the weapons will see better, but the weapons they use, the ammunition they use, sometimes they even have more ammunition than our soldiers. Where are these guns, sophisticated weapons coming from? And you begin to see that the external hands are also involved, especially when I was president.”*   Boko Haram, which emerged in Borno State in the early 2000s, became a major national threat after its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, died in police custody in 2009. By 2012, reports had suggested that the sect named Buhari among northern leaders it trusted to mediate with government. Buhari, however, rejected the role, accusing Jonathan’s administration of attempting to politicise the crisis.

Woman sets self ablaze, dies in late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s family home

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Bauchi was recently plunged into sorrow following the death of a middle-aged woman who reportedly set herself ablaze inside the family home of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The woman, reportedly the daughter of a former Sharia court judge in the state, was said to have been rescued by bystanders and rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where she succumbed to severe burns.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Mohammed Ahmed Wakil describing it as ‘most unfortunate’. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu had ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

‘On the 26 September, at approximately 11:05 a.m., an unidentified woman, who has now died, went to the family house of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. After being informed that the person she sought was absent, she produced a gallon of petrol and set herself ablaze’, Wakil said.

According to the police, the woman was rescued alive and admitted to ATBUTH, where she was able to give a statement before her passing. She reportedly claimed she did not know the liquid was petrol, insisting she believed it was water.

Neighbours and acquaintances disclosed that the woman had a history of mental illness, which emerged following the birth of her last child.

Her body has since been released to her family for burial.

The state Police Command extended condolences, expressing hope that her family would find strength in the wake of the tragedy.

BREAKING: Court orders Police to halt tinted permit enforcement

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A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to maintain the status quo in a case brought by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is challenging the legality of the recently revived tinted glass permit policy.

The Police had reintroduced the permit system through its digital platform, POSSAP, following widespread complaints about officers harassing motorists with factory-fitted tints.

Enforcement officially resumed in June 2025 after a 30-day grace period and was later extended twice — first to August, then to October — to give road users more time to register. Authorities defended the move on security grounds, arguing that criminals often rely on vehicles with heavily tinted glass to escape detection.

The suit, however, raises questions about whether the Police acted within the limits of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which only allows permits for “good cause,” such as medical or security needs.

Aikpokpo-Martins and other critics argue that the blanket enforcement infringes on constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement, places unnecessary burdens on motorists, and risks fueling harassment by law enforcement officers.

More details to follow…

(VANGUARD)

BREAKING NEWS: Edo NSCDC Commandant, Gbenga Agun Slumps, Dies

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The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gbenga Agun on Thursday, slumped and died few minutes after making his marks at a function in Benin, the state capital.

 

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Gbenga was immediately rushed to the Military Base Hospital, Benin, but was confirmed Brought In Dead (B.I.D) on arrival.

Edo police neutralize 2 kidnap suspects, recover arms

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The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers during a bush combing operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday in Benin, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that the operation was carried out on September 30 following credible intelligence reports.

 

According to him, operatives from the Amedokhian Tactical Division, led by SP Peter Ogah, teamed up with local hunters and vigilante groups to raid suspected hideouts along the railway track leading to Ubiaja.

 

“During the operation, the team encountered a gang of suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the operatives.

“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” Yamu said.

 

He said that one AK-47 rifle with breech number 4148, 33 rounds of live ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

 

The neutralised suspects, he said, were taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead.

 

The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the Tactical Division recovered an English-made double-barrelled shotgun with breech number 03273286 on the same day.

 

He said the gun was recovered alongside two live cartridges during another bush combing exercise around Idumogun community in Ukoni, also within Esan South East LGA.

He said Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry of the operatives, hunters, and vigilante groups for their swift response and synergy in combating crime.

 

“The command remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

 

“We urge the public to support our community safety partnership initiative and informal policing efforts to ensure a safer state,” he quoted Agbonika as saying.

 

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report emergencies via 08037646272 or 08077773721.