The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country. Speaking at a meeting with an NSITF delegation at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling corruption through collaboration and public sensitization.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of synergy between both organizations, particularly in strengthening whistleblower protection mechanisms across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He stressed the need for a confidential reporting system to encourage public participation in anti-corruption efforts. To formalize this partnership, Dr. Aliyu proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would outline joint efforts to combat corruption effectively.
Echoing similar sentiments, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Faleye Oluwaseun, commended ICPC’s anti-corruption initiatives and expressed NSITF’s readiness to collaborate on policy advisory support, capacity building, and joint monitoring mechanisms. Mr. Oluwaseun further assured ICPC of NSITF’s commitment to accountability and pledged to finalize the MoU to strengthen cooperation between both institutions.
This partnership marks a significant step toward institutionalizing transparency and reinforcing good governance practices in Nigeria.
The recent violent confrontation between a young Nigerian female student Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious and her lecturer Dr Chukwudi Okoye should give us pause. The phrase “No gree for anyone,” popularized in 2024, seems to have taken deep root in the hearts of Gen Zs, manifesting in alarming ways. The incident happened at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where a student physically assaulted a lecturer over a TikTok video. This incident, abhorrent in its execution, demands condemnation in the strongest terms. To imagine a student lacking the character to engage in such a depraved act against a faculty member is truly disturbing.While some might argue the lecturer should not have confiscated the phone, such a debate misses the crucial point. Even if we grant that the lecturer’s action was ill-advised, an alternative resolution was undeniably available.
Resorting to physical violence, tearing down and apart another human being, represents the most barbaric approach to conflict resolution. As Nigeria grapples with this event both online and offline, fundamental questions arise: Can a lecturer at Harvard, or any reputable institution, demand to confiscate a student’s phone? Can a student casually record themselves in a hallway, potentially disrupting the academic environment? Would a student ever attempt to assault a lecturer in such a setting?Nigeria often struggles with translating its laws from paper to practice, particularly in their interpretation and execution. As many Nigerians contemplate seeking opportunities abroad, it is essential that they, whether lecturers or students, familiarize themselves with the code of conduct of their intended destination. Ignorance of these regulations can lead to disastrous consequences, potentially ruining one’s future over avoidable misunderstandings.In the specific case of the student involved in the assault, a thorough mental health evaluation seems warranted.
However, the responsibility extends beyond the individual. The university, the Federal University Commission, and all relevant stakeholders must collaborate to develop clear guidelines that define the boundaries within which students should operate. Other universities should follow suit, proactively addressing this issue before it solidifies into a destructive culture. Teachers in Nigeria are already undercompensated, a lamentable reality in itself. To subject them to humiliation and physical violence from students adds insult to injury and further undermines the integrity of the educational system.Understanding the emotional landscape of Gen Z is crucial in crafting effective and lasting solutions. According to research conducted by mediaculture.com, key psychological drivers for this generation include living an exciting life (35%), gaining recognition from peers (14%), and achieving social and professional status (12%). Since Gen Z is driven by the pursuit of adventure and the validation of their peer group, recognizing and addressing these emotional triggers is paramount to mitigating the risk of violent confrontations.
However, the core of the problem lies deeper than individual incidents or immediate triggers. Our society, inherently, excludes its young people. In Nigeria, the average age for university graduation falls between 22 and 24. Yet, it is exceedingly rare to see individuals within this age bracket participating in serious board meetings, policy formulation sessions, governance structures, or other positions of authority. When they do appear, it is often attributed to familial connections (“Godfathers”) rather than merit or demonstrable qualifications. This exclusion fosters a sense of disenfranchisement and resentment, creating fertile ground for frustration and ultimately, conflict.Until we actively integrate younger generations into the progressive society we aspire to build, this disconnect will persist. We must proactively bridge the gap by including them in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. Their voices must be heard, their perspectives valued, and their potential harnessed.
Only then can we foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and investment in the future of Nigeria. Ignoring this imperative will only perpetuate the cycle of conflict and prevent us from realizing the true potential of our youth. The future of Nigeria hinges on our ability to empower and include its youngest citizen.
In Nigeria, identity theft is a growing threat that affects individuals of all backgrounds, including businesses and government offices. Cybercriminals frequently steal victims’ personal information in order to commit identity theft, impersonate, and steal bank funds. The use of digital payment methods and online banking has increased Nigerians’ security concerns, yet most individuals are still unaware of how easily their personal data can end up in the wrong hands. To get personal information, cybercriminals employ a variety of strategies. Some attack databases, while others use phishing emails, phone calls, and cloned websites looking closely to the real website to fool people into disclosing private information. A cloned website usually looks like the original website but usually has a small change in the web address. Messages appearing to be from their banks have been sent to numerous people, advising them to verify their account information or risk being locked out. Others have been the targets of social media impersonation, in which scammers take over their accounts and send friends and followers a desperate need for money.
Identity theft can have a devastating effect on the victim. Victims experience financial loss, mental distress, to mention a few. A single compromised BVN or ATM card details can result in unlawful withdrawals or loans made in their name. The advent of online loan services has made it even easier for fraudsters to acquire funds using stolen identities, leaving unsuspecting victims to deal with the consequences. Despite these risks from identify theft, many Nigerians fail to protect their identities. Simple habits such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links might prevent the majority of identity theft. People continue to use weak passwords, publicly reveal personal information on social media and fall victim to fraudulent activities.
Phishing attacks are one of the most popular ways that cybercriminals use to steal identities. Fraudsters send emails or SMS messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, requesting login passwords or banking information. These notifications frequently imply a sense of urgency, informing the receiver that their account will be blocked unless they take immediate action. Many innocent Nigerians fall victim to this scam, unintentionally providing these malicious actors with their personal information.
Social media has also become a means for identity theft. Many people provide too much personal information online, making it easier for malicious actors to guess security questions and impersonate them in the process. Criminals hack into accounts and use them to solicit funds from unsuspecting friends and relatives. This article aimed is to educate Nigerians about the growing threats of identity theft and how to protect themselves. Protecting personal information is no longer optional; it is required. Nigerians must take identity protection seriously and avoid revealing confidential information such as NIN, BVN, ATM PINs, ATM Card Details, Date of Birth, full name and account numbers just to mention a few. No legitimate institution will ever require these details via phone, SMS, or email. When required to enter this information on websites, ensure to double check that you are not on a cloned website. When in doubt, always check with official sources to avoid falling prey to scam.
Strong and unique passwords usually about 12 or more characters combining letters, numbers, and special characters are ideal. Using the same password for several accounts makes them more vulnerable since it makes it easier to access the others if one is compromised. By enabling a second verification step before logging in, known as two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication, accounts have an additional layer of security. Since many identity theft cases go undetected until victims find huge withdrawals or outstanding loans in their names, it is essential to regularly monitor bank statements in order to identify unauthorized transactions early. Monitoring financial activity closely enables the reporting and blocking of suspicious transactions before they become more significant. In addition, Nigerians should also refrain from utilizing public Wi-Fi to access crucial accounts or banking since hackers can intercept unprotected connections and steal login information.
If you feel your identity has been compromised, take urgent action. Notify your bank to freeze affected accounts, reset any compromised passwords, and report the incident to the law enforcement. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operate helplines for reporting fraud related complaints. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but Nigerians can keep up by becoming more knowledgeable as well. As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, everyone must be more aware. The responsibility for online safety does not rest only with banks or the government; it begins with you and I making informed decisions regarding the security of our personal information.
It had festered for long. The wanton trespass, the emboldened criminality, the mindless murders, the reckless disruption of the rhythm of day-to-day activities of several communities in Nigeria’s South West. Formal and informal intelligence, fingered voyaging Fulani herdsmen as prime perpetrators of the crimson regime upon the Yoruba hemisphere. The pastoralists herded their cattle from the nation’s north, down south. They fed and fattened their livestock on farmlands owned by landowners, with unbelievable impunity. Aboriginal dissenters to such roughshod rides through their sweat-grown farms, were often sent to early graves. Luckier escapees, most times left with scars to last a lifetime. To confirm that they were on a mission to destroy, maim and murder, they moved around with deadly machetes and sophisticated weapons, beyond regular arms admissible for self protection, as they rampaged through the zone.
Beyond farmlands in the recesses of the Yoruba country, kidnappers, armed robbers and killers took over and terrorised roads and expressways in the South West, with uncommon boldness. They routinely caused gridlocks on roads like the all-important Sagamu-Ore-Benin highway, in the discharge of their criminal ventures. They would move from vehicle to vehicle dispossessing commuters of their belongings and shooting at random, killing the hapless. They abducted travellers and would subsequently request for ransoms from the families of their victims. At other times, they just murdered their victims like they did to Olufunke Olakunrin, daughter of the respected Yoruba leader, Reuben Fasoranti, on the same road under reference, in June 2019. Fortuitously, her killers were found, prosecuted and sentenced to death three years later.
Governors of the South West states, unanimously afflicted by this scourge, agreed in January 2020, to establish in their various states, a security outfit to be known as Amotekun. A Yoruba word, Amotekun means “cheetah.” The animal is a member of the global “big cat” family in the animal kingdom, which are apex predators. Creatures in this bracket which include lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, are famous for stealth, speed and precision in preying on their targets. All six states in the region: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, signed up for this initiative, which was driven from the very top by the governors of each state. The South West states are famous for their historical collaboration on issues of the socioeconomic wellbeing of their states and people. The Amotekun concept is emplaced as a homegrown complement to the endeavours of existing intelligence and security organisations, in securing lives and property. It is not a rival, but a partner with preexisting agencies in the intelligence and security ecosystem. This typically consists of the military, the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services, (DSS).
Across the six South West states, Amotekun is charged primarily to protect persons, property and carry out emergency response services. The Corps systematically gathers, documents, evaluates and analyses data and information to convert to actionable intelligence for tactical, operational and strategic goals. It shares intelligence about crime in progress; suspicious activities, criminal suspects and other criminal activities. Amotekun collaborates with similar security agencies including but not limited to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states in deterring kidnapping, terrorism, disruption of livelihood, criminal damage to property, cultism, highway robbery and other criminal activities. It ensures that all persons travelling along highways, major roads, remote areas, hinterlands and forests are free to engage in their normal activities without fear or hindrance. Amotekun also assists the police in carrying out any other lawful activity aimed at maintaining law and order within their areas of jurisdiction. The operational ambit of the Corps could indeed be broader.
Since the enthronement of Amotekun in the six core Yoruba states five years ago, the organisation has complement the enterprise of statutory security outfits in notable measure. It has foiled robberies, disrupted kidnappings, stemmed open-ended trespass and destruction of farms by marauding herdsmen, and rescued potential victims and casualties of criminal schemes. As recently as Sunday February 15, 2025, Amotekun foiled a robbery on the notorious Sagamu- Odogbolu- Ijebu Ode, on the Lagos-Sagamu-Ore-Benin expressway. One of the suspects was neutralised, while a second one was arrested during a gun duel. The suspect arrested led Amotekun operatives to the hideout of the gang, where another suspect who had earlier fled during the gun duel, took refuge. Just last week, February 10, 2025, the Ondo State Command of the Corps rescued five victims of a kidnapping episode on the ever recurring Benin- Owo road. Such is the serially documented efficacy of Amotekun in its various theatres of operation.
Worthy of note is the fact that the topmost echelons of Amotekun leadership across the South West, are very senior retired military and police officers, not below the ranks of retired Brigadier-General or Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIG). The Oyo State outfit for instance is headed by Brigadier-General Kunle Togun, while the Ogun State formation is led by Brigadier-General Alade Adedigba. The Chairman of the Osun State variant is AIG Wale Abbas, while Brigadier-General Olu Adewa leads the Ekiti State Amotekun command. This underscores the seriousness with which the outfit is organised and deployed. Our reservoir of ex-servicemen in our communities, local hunters, vigilantes and youths can constitute the core of the operatives.
Recent criminal incidents in the the Okun country in Kogi State and Kogi West senatorial district at large, compels a proposition for the establishment of an Amotekun detachment in the zone. Like its kith and kin in core Western Nigeria, Okunland has been the butt of several violations by a broad canvas of criminals. Daredevil armed robbers have invaded Okun communities, targeting banks and murdering regular folk. Kidnappers perennially lay siege on lonely stretches of the dilapidated road networks in Okunland, killing innocents and taking hostages in kidnap- for- ransom incidents. On May 2, 2021, Solomon Adegbayo a Commissioner in the Kogi State Pensions Board was killed in the same incident in which the Chairman of Yagba West local government area at the time, Pius Kolawole, was kidnapped.
Last December, Alaba Ope, the Councillor representing Odo-Ape Ward in Kabba-Bunu local government area, and eight others, were kidnapped in a midnight operation by brigands. An Abuja-bound commuter bus from Lagos, carrying 18 passengers, was also in December 2024, intercepted around Obajana in Okunland and all the occupants abducted. The kidnappers placed a N100 million ransom on their victims. Should we mention the travails of subsistence farmers in Okunland and Kogi West who in several instances have literally been barred from their farmlands in their homelands by scurrilous criminal elements masquerading as herders? This has been the collective experience of the genetically peace-loving people of Kogi West District.
The people of the geopolitical span under interrogation, have not exactly thrown up their hands in despair in their worrying circumstances. Hunters and vigilantes despite their constrained training and arming, are usually on the front foot combing the forests and thickets. Following attacks on three commercial banks located in Egbe and Odo-Ere in Yagba West just before Christmas in 2021, for instance, Okun hunters and vigilantes entered the forests and indeed arrested a few of the culprits who missed their ways after the dastardly operation. Indeed, early June 2024, Okun vigilantes and hunters joined the army, police, DSS and NSCDC, in raiding the camps of kidnappers in the forest of Yagba West, in an operation which lasted for several days. Yagba West shares boundaries with Kwara, Niger and Ekiti states which makes it specifically vulnerable to criminal incursions.
Several other communities and councils in Kogi West, share abutments with neighbouring states which makes them vulnerable. Disturbed by the unabating recurrence of multifaceted criminality in Okunland which dominates six of the seven local government areas in Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, the Senator representing the District, singularly undertook the construction of a Forward Operating Base, (FOB) in Egbe, last year. The fully furnished mini-barracks which is capable of hosting two units of military personnel, was commissioned last October. It has since been taken over and operationalised by the Nigerian Army. To underscore his concurrence with Karimi’s bold initiative, the Member Representing Yagba federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Joseph Abejide, participated at the inauguration and handing over event.
Given the dynamism of crime and criminality, containment and mitigation strategies must also of necessity be proactive. As an essential component of the global Yoruba country, as a people and senatorial district which share boundaries with two geopolitical subscribers to the Amotekun concept, notably Ondo and Ekiti states, there is no better time to adapt the prototype in Kogi West and in Okunland. The template may be available on the internet or can be obtained from one of the present six participating states. While it is true that whole states, and not sections or parts of states are subscribers to the philosophy elsewhere, there must be a way to adapt the template for Kogi West. As a people, we know where our shoes presently pinch us.
At the recent maiden annual lecture of the National Institute for Security Studies, (NISS), the Director-General of the Department of State Services, (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, noted that “communities should be empowered to serve as the first line of defence in tackling criminality.” According to him, they must lead the way “before the intervention of the police, the military and other security agencies.” Ajayi noted that “some level of armament must be allowed at the level of communities, so they can serve as the first layer of defence.” He cited examples from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro communities in Bauchi State where he previously served, as places where the antics of marauders were successfully repelled. He indeed alluded to his community back home in Ogun State as one which he is guiding to stand up for itself in the face of adversity. This gifts us a perfect window to explore, for the setting up of a Kogi West/Okunland Amotekun Corps.
The people of Kogi West trust their Senator, Sunday Karimi, to pick up the gauntlet and rally his colleagues, namely Leke Abejide, Idris Salman and Danladi Suleiman Aguye, representing Yagba, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu and Lokoja/Kotonkarfe, respectively, to articulate this proposal. Representatives of state constituencies in Kogi West in the Kogi State House of Assembly, (KGHA), and Chairmen of local government areas in the district, must of necessity be an integral part of this concept. Very happily, the federal government now directly credits the accounts of local government authorities with their dues which allows room for targeted fiscal flexibility. Budgets have to be drawn up to accommodate the needs and remuneration of Amotekun operatives. Elsewhere, they are properly kitted with uniforms, footwears and bulletproof vests. They are well armed and enabled with ample quantities of ammunition, and are duly remunerated and provided with serviceable patrol and operational vehicles. They undergo drills to keep in shape and ready. Let’s imagine just how better improved the security situation in Kogi West will be if 100 Amotekun corps members are added to the existing security capacity of each LGA. This comes to a total of 700 additional crime fighters in the zone. Criminals will definitely have a rethink before daring their potential Waterloo.
Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja
A man who is absolutely focused on his job; never distracted by anything; full of courage to take on reforms necessary for securing the future of the country and lay the foundation for a prosperous and self reliant nation.
The fundamentals of the economy are taking their roots and we are seeing the results already in every sphere of our national lives. Thank you Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
— Dr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
A man who is absolutely focused on his job; never distracted by anything; full of courage to take on reforms necessary for securing the future of the country and lay the foundation for a prosperous and self reliant nation.
The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of CP Garba Ahmed, CP Yobe State Command; CP Nemi Edwin Osigoboka Iwo, CP Border Patrol and CP Salman Garba Dogo, CP Kwara State Command to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police.CP Ahmed from Katsina State was former Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Enugu State Command and Oyo State respectively .CP Iwo was former CP CTU, Force Headquarters, CP Force Intelligence and CP Edo state Command.CP Dogo was former CP General Intelligence, Force CID, CP Armament and CP Kano State. According to the Commision’s Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the 16 Deputy Commissioners promoted to substantive Commissioners of Police were Audu Baba Umaru who was promoted and retired.
Others were Cyriacus Enechukwu; Gombit Kopshella Bangs; Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo; Mamman Bitrus Giwa; Rosemary Okpoho Akpan; Umar Hassan Kabir and Usman Kanfani Jibrin. Naziru Abdulmajid; Osadolor Olaye; Modi Jonthan Filiya; Sani Omolori; Hassan Gwani Saleh; Hammed Sule; Ayodele Rowland Adeyemi; and Justine Obiora Oranwusi, Director of Works, Force Headquarters were also promoted to substantive Commissioners of Police.
The promotions were the highpoints of an extraordinary Meeting of the Commission presided over by Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni and attended by Hon Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission. The candidates for promotion were subjected to Written examination and oral interview. Commission Chairman, DIG Argungu rtd, used the occasion of the interactive session to warn the Officers to stay clear of civil matters such as land, marital issues, debt collection etc and allow the courts to adjudicate on such matters.DIG Argungu said the Commission will deal decisively with any of them caught engaging in such matters.He said the Commission will continue to monitor them and support them to give off their best.
Thirty-five years after the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Federal Government on Tuesday 18th February 2025 commissioned the first barracks that will provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body with a charge to the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the first NDLEA barracks in Yola, Adamawa state, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the facility, which includes modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, is not just a physical structure but a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families can live and thrive with dignity and security.
According to him, “The role of NDLEA in our society cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future. “I would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement. This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties. It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.”
He urged NDLEA officers who will inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service. “I urge the officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their service to their motherland. The nation looks to you, not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of our shared hope for a safer, healthier society. This investment in your welfare is a call to higher responsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment. This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It should be a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the perils of drug abuse and the destruction it brings. Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all”, the Minister stated.
While commending former President Muhammadu Buhari under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion, the Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed in a conducive and harmonious environment, just as he appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu towards the operational successes of NDLEA. “I must acknowledge the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership this commissioning is taking place. His steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, empowering institutions, and ensuring that critical agencies like the NDLEA have the resources they need to succeed is well known and evident in today’s event. Additionally, the foundational contributions of the previous administration, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, must also be recognized, as it was during his tenure that this initiative was approved and set in motion. “This project, which has been conceptualized and driven by Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, is a reflection of the forward-thinking leadership that has defined his tenure in the Agency. I am proud to note that General Marwa has revitalized the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service delivery.
“The establishment of this barracks is a long-awaited yet timely endeavour. It aligns perfectly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to rebuild every facet of the Nigerian state. The agenda includes strengthening our public services and fortifying our security apparatus. NDLEA is a critical component in this framework, tasked with tackling the menace of illicit drugs and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike”, he added. In his remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized the significance of the barracks project to the safety of the Agency’s personnel 35 years after its establishment. “This year marks the 35th anniversary of NDLEA. Over the years, the absence of dedicated accommodation for our officers has led to challenges, including exposure to risks for them and their families. Tragically, quite a number of our personnel have been trailed to their houses and murdered. Such incidents emphasise the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel.”
He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and belief in the NDLEA mandate. “Mr. President, your administration’s unwavering commitment to improving security, strengthening institutions, and ensuring the welfare of law enforcement personnel inspires us all. We are thankful for being beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Agenda”, he stated. Speaking on the project, Marwa said “this facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, reflects our commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of our personnel. The Yola Barracks includes office structures, accommodation and auxiliary facilities. The office structures consist of a modern administrative building for the NDLEA Adamawa State Command, a detention facility, a state-of-the-art exhibit room, watchtowers, and operational pavilions. The accommodation includes lodges for the state and zonal commanders, 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats. “The auxiliary facilities comprised enhanced security features, a generator house for uninterrupted power supply, parking spaces, a parade ground, a service bay, and a perimeter fence. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our resolve to win the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. It symbolises our commitment to the welfare of our personnel and serves as a bold statement of our determination to build a safer nation.”
In his message at the occasion, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended President Tinubu, Marwa and other stakeholders for their foresight, vision, and commitment to the barracks project. “This barracks is a testament of their unwavering dedication to save-guarding our nation and its people, particularly our youth, who are our valuable assets and leaders of tomorrow from the many illicit drugs. The establishment of this facility is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about fortifying our determination and collective resolve to protect our prosperity from the threat of illicit drugs towards peace and stability”, he stated. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in his remarks presented by AIG Rex Dundun said “this milestone underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for our national security agencies to thrive. The NDLEA plays a critical role in safeguarding our nation’s health, safety and well-being by combating the menace of drug trafficking and abuse. I laud the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, (Rtd), and his management team for their tireless efforts in leading the charge against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.” “Your dedication and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed. To the personnel of NDLEA, I urge you to continue demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience and professionalism in the discharge of your duties. This new facility is a testament to the government’s appreciation of your hard work and commitment to serving our great nation”, Mallam Ribadu added. Also speaking, Chairman Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo noted that “the job of the officers and operatives in the NDLEA requires a mix of humanity, detection and enforcement, which requires the provision of adequate motivation for the workforce. Hence, this project will collectively, among other things, build a seamless organization which is people-centered, motivating the workforce, creating job satisfaction, and also address service delivery challenges.”
House of Reps Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun represented by the deputy chairman of the committee, Hon. Idris Dankawu said that ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of NDLEA personnel is not just a responsibility but a necessity, adding that the House of Representatives remains “steadfast in advocating for a better funding, improving working conditions, and enhancing operational capacity for the Agency.” Other dignitaries at the ceremony include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, members of the National Assembly from Adamawa state, first class traditional rulers from across the state, among others.
My dear brothers and sisters, fantastic friends and fans, have you SMILED today?
Do not tell me there is nothing to smile about. I know things are hard brought about by government’s anti-people policies.But it is a passing phase.
Of course, there are reasons for you to SMILE
* You are hale and hearty; you are able to take good care of yourself and the family, then you have a zillion reasons to be GRATEFUL to God.
WORRY NOT because you have overcome ALL that you bothered about months, weeks and days ago.
As the Swedish proverb goes:
” Worry gives a small thing a large shadow”.
All you have to do is to develop an Inner Strength, as my poem of today goes.
Enjoy it.
SONGS OF HOPE ( 2 }
INNER STRENGTH
Can you sing a song in the storm? Can you whistle when the whirlwinds blow? Can you dance swift steps in the quicksands and smile when darkness grows? Can you bend and rise unbroken like the lagoon reed in the tide? If so, then this Earth will crown your sorrows, not with the waves of fears and tears but with the ripe-fruit-sweetness that Patience bears.
The Police Service Commission today, Monday 17th February 2025, approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command.
CP Jimoh, before his appointment, was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority, Eastern Ports.
Jimoh, who hails from Kwara State, was former Force Public Relations Officer and later Deputy Commissioner, Airport Police; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration and Deputy Commissioner General Investigation.
He has undergone several professional trainings which include; Combat operations Course, Mobile Training College Maiduguri; African Union Mission in Darfur Sudan; Weapons of mass destruction counter measure first responder Training Institute, United States; training on social construction and management Reform China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong China; Training on Maritime Rescue and salvage for Developing Countries, China Maritime Academy Ningbo, China and Training on anti hijacking techniques and tactics for developing countries, Yunnan Police College kunmung, China. He was also at the Police training Institute, Seoul South Korea.
CP Olohundare Moshod Jimoh is a recipient of the Presidential award for Public Relations Personality of the year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.
CP Jimoh appeared before the Commission today. Present were the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc Honourable Commissioner representing the Police
Recovers multi-million-naira opioids from Sienna bus bumper, meth in auto spare part, others in Anambra, Cross River, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ekiti, Lagos interdictions
By Ebinum Samuel
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have busted a trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, arresting four members in intelligence-led operations during which multi-million-naira worth of tramadol pills concealed in the bumper and false bottom of sienna buses heading to border towns were recovered. Following weeks of intelligence and surveillance operations by operatives of the Directorate of Intelligence in NDLEA, a Sienna bus marked ABJ 452 HG was intercepted at Nasarawa- Toto road, Keffi, Nasarawa state on Tuesday 27th January 2025 at 6am. Two suspects: Zahradeen Adamu, 27 and Abubakar Usman, 44, were arrested in the vehicle coming from Onitsha, Anambra state enroute Yola, Adamawa state.
A second Sienna bus driven by Abba Usman, 48, was also intercepted. During a search of the two vehicles, specially constructed steel compartments were discovered after the removal of the back bumper where a total of 190, 960 pills of tramadol were concealed and, in the space, designed to house the spare tyre of the vehicles.
Investigations revealed that an Onitsha, Anambra state-based dealer, Kingsley Mbaeri was the supplier of the seized tramadol consignment. A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of Mbaeri at his Uga Street, Onitsha home on 29th January. Two vehicles: a Toyota Corolla car marked FGG 948 MF and a Toyota Sienna bus marked GWA 23 HH were recovered from his house.
In another interdiction, operatives of the Intelligence Department intercepted a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra State at Abaji checkpoint, FCT Abuja on 4th February. A passenger in the bus, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa, 32, carrying motor spare parts in a black bag was arrested. When his bag was searched, 404.47grams of methamphetamine; 506.49grams of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis and 262.32grams of dimethyl sulfone, a precursor substance for mixing meth, all of which were concealed in the motor parts were recovered.
In Cross River state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ogoja -Abakaliki road, Yahe, on Thursday 13th February intercepted 170,000 pills of tramadol in a truck driven by Paul Chukwudi, 31, while operatives at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on Tuesday 11th February recovered 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a container imported from India. Two suspects: Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru were nabbed at Bama road, Maiduguri, Borno state on Friday 14th February with 60 compressed blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 72kg, while NDLEA operatives in Ekiti state on Tuesday 11th February raided
A notorious drug joint at Iloda street, Ikole-Ekiti where they arrested three suspects: Bala Muhammed, 57; Yahaya Adamu, 55, and Abdullahi Shehu, 30. A total of 83 kilograms of skunk were recovered from them. In Lagos, 28-year-old Samiat Olabisi Yussuf was on Saturday 15th February arrested by operatives during a raid of her Lekki home where 169.5 litres of nitrous oxide popularly known as laughing gas and 111grams of Loud were recovered. Not less than 132.84 kilograms of skunk were recovered from two suspects: Ibrahim Usman, 40, and Solomon James, 40, in Taraba. While Usman was nabbed with 88kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud at Wukari, James was arrested with 44.84kg of same substance at Takanaba, Sabongari, in Jalingo LGA.
Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Technical College, Oku, Akwa Ibom; Future Leaders Academy, Kishi, Oyo state; Government Secondary School, Bashire, Sokoto; Ehere Comprehensive School, Ogbor Hill, Abia; Government Day Secondary School, Taura, Jigawa state; and Jesuit College, Agbado Ekiti, Ekiti state; while Kano state command of NDLEA conducted WADA enlightenment lecture for married women in purdah at Markaz Umar Bn Khattab Centre, Kano, among others. While commending the officers and men of Directorate of Intelligence, Apapa, Cross River, Borno, Ekiti, Taraba, and Lagos Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.
