NDLEA Records 45,853 Arrests, Seizes 8.5m Kg of Drugs in 30 Months – Marwa Commends Officers, Rewards 220 Personnel

Rekiya Abdullahi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, achieving record-breaking results in the last 30 months with 45,853 arrests, 8.5 million kilograms of narcotics seized, and 9,263 convictions secured nationwide.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), disclosed these figures on Wednesday during a special commendation and awards ceremony at the NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, where 220 personnel were honoured for outstanding performance and 15 senior officers decorated with new ranks.

Buba Marwa in a group photograph with 15 senior officers decorated with new ranks

“Today, we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond those who, despite facing immense danger and temptation, chose integrity and selflessness in carrying out our mandate,” Marwa said.

He noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA has sustained remarkable progress in both drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, counselling and rehabilitating 26,613 drug users, while conducting 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across schools, markets, workplaces, and communities.

Marwa, who has maintained the reward tradition for over four years, stressed that the fight against drugs remains a monumental challenge but assured that the agency is gaining ground through renewed commitment and capacity.

“Drug trafficking and abuse threaten our social fabric, economic stability, and national security. Every kilogram intercepted and every drug kingpin arrested represent a blow against criminal networks that fund terrorism and corruption,” he stated.

The NDLEA boss emphasized that the reward system which includes the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations has boosted morale, discipline, and integrity among officers, motivating them to perform at their best.

He also appreciated both local and international partners for their support, including the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, French Government, and the Government of Germany, as well as Nigeria’s National Assembly, Judiciary, and Attorney General’s Office for their legislative and institutional backing.

Marwa expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his “unwavering support” in the drug war, adding that the Agency remains committed to the vision of a drug-free Nigeria.

“Our journey is far from over, but with the continued support of Nigerians, we will dismantle the networks of drug cartels and secure a healthier, safer future for our nation,” he said.

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

Defence Minister Hosts New Service Chiefs, Reaffirms Unity and Strategic Leadership in Nigeria’s Defence Sector

Emmanuel Daudu

In a move symbolizing renewed synergy within Nigeria’s defence architecture, the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, received the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs during their maiden courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

Those in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen W Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal SK Aneke.

The meeting marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation, as Badaru emphasized unity, leadership, and strategic direction in strengthening national defence.

He reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to fostering collaboration and trust among the Services in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

NiMet Unveils Innovative IoT Weather Stations to Strengthen Urban Climate Monitoring

Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced a major technological leap in urban climate monitoring with the introduction of innovative Internet of Things (IoT)-powered, LoRaWAN-enabled weather stations.

The development follows a collaborative effort between Barani Design Technologies and the West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL). The project is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of weather data collection and transmission across Nigerian cities.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, represented by Engr. Hamid Abdulkareem, Director of Engineering and Technical Services, described the collaboration as “a strategic and innovative milestone in the weather forecasting value chain.”

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing accurate and timely weather information. These advanced weather stations will be instrumental in helping us achieve our targets,” he said.

He noted that the new systems will complement the existing 25 Barani Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) currently operational within NiMet’s network, bringing the total number of reactivated compact automatic weather stations to 59. The move, he added, will boost the agency’s observation density and improve forecasting capability nationwide.

The NiMet DG further emphasized the need for continuous capacity building, urging Barani Design Technologies and WASCAL to keep NiMet’s technical team informed of training opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability and seamless data transmission of the automated weather stations.

In his remarks, Mr. Jan Barani, CEO of Barani Design Technologies, commended NiMet for its forward-thinking approach, noting that the new generation of smart, energy-efficient weather stations was specifically developed to enhance data accuracy and reliability in urban environments.

“This breakthrough aims to make weather monitoring systems more compatible with smart city infrastructure. Traditional weather stations often face challenges with inconsistent measurements and relocation, which this design effectively addresses,” Barani explained.

Also speaking, Mr. Diallo Abdulaziz, Coordinator of the Data Management Department at WASCAL, said the partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s meteorological network by enhancing power and connectivity solutions for weather stations across the country.

The new IoT-enabled stations are designed to meet World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards, ensuring the reliability, comparability, and global compatibility of the data collected a critical component for improved weather forecasting and climate analysis.

CODE Applauds Appointment of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman, Calls for Restoration of Public Trust in Nigeria’s Elections

By Maryam Aminu

In what many describe as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, Connected Development (CODE), the civic organization behind the Follow The Money initiative and election observation platform Uzabe has applauded the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Friday, October 24, 2025, CODE commended the federal government’s choice, describing the appointment as both “a moment of opportunity and a test of integrity” for the nation’s electoral system.

The organization noted that while Nigeria has made commendable strides in the use of technology in recent elections, recurring issues around transparency, logistics, and credibility have eroded citizens’ faith in the process.

“Trust cannot be legislated; it must be earned through openness, consistency, and the courage to place citizens above politics,” the statement read. “Prof. Amupitan must rebuild that bridge of confidence between citizens and the ballot.”

As one of INEC’s long-standing civil society partners, CODE urged the new Chairman to prioritize trust-building as the cornerstone of his leadership, emphasizing that democracy must serve every Nigerian especially those in rural and marginalized communities rather than the political elite.

The group further called for inclusivity in electoral reforms, stressing that women, youth, and persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to full participation. “INEC must design systems that meet people where they are and ensure that no voter is left behind,” CODE added.

Reiterating the need for institutional independence, the organization urged Prof. Amupitan to uphold INEC’s autonomy and protect it from political interference.

CODE also called for greater transparency through open election data, financial accountability, and continuous civic engagement.

Through its Uzabe platform, CODE pledged continued collaboration with INEC to promote real-time transparency and accountability in future elections, ensuring that “Nigeria’s democracy not only counts votes but makes every vote count.”

AIT, FRC Forge Partnership to Strengthen Transparency in Public Finance

Maryam Aminu

In a bid to deepen fiscal discipline and public accountability in Nigeria, the African Independent Television (AIT) has pledged to collaborate with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) to promote the core principles and objectives of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

The Group Managing Director of AIT, Chief Marcel Anyalebechi, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mr. Victor Muruako, Esq., at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Chief Anyalebechi commended the Commission for its sustained commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and prudence in public finance management. He assured that AIT remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that advance good governance and responsible fiscal practices across all levels of government.

“The Commission has continued to play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. AIT will continue to partner with the FRC to propagate these laudable efforts in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,” he stated.

In his response, Mr. Muruako expressed appreciation to AIT for its consistent and balanced reportage on national economic issues, particularly those relating to fiscal responsibility and public sector reform. He also commended AIT’s professional team including Nancy Illor, Amaechi Aniekwe, Chioma Okolie, Adebayo Bodrin, and others for their dedication to enlightening Nigerians about the Commission’s work and achievements.

The FRC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility across all tiers of government.

Daniel Bwala called a traitor over Nigeria  Christians’ Genocide Denial

The Coalition of Christian Youths comprising the Odua Youths Democrats Congress, Middle Belt Youths Vanguard & Progressive Congress, Concerned Christian Youths Forum, and the South East Congress for National Development has condemned and fires Daniel Bwala, a presidential aide for misrepresenting CAN’s position on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the group called Bwala a traitor and traducer.

The coalition leaders which includes Richard Light, Chima Chukwu, Paul James, Innocent Bawa, Enoch Kela and many others made this known in press briefing in Abuja, the statement reads; “The entire Christian community in Nigeria and all lovers of truth and justice are appalled by the false narrative being mischievously peddled by the special adviser to the president on media and policy communication, Daniel Bwala in a recent press statement”.

“Daniel committed two abominable sins in that infamous, treacherous and misleading statement.
First, he wilfully and maliciously misrepresented the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) after his meeting with their leadership on the issue of the ongoing targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria, stating the exact opposite of CAN’s position on the subject matter, thereby claiming that there was no genocide against Christians in Nigeria”.

“It is un-statemanly, unethical, dubious, if not criminal, to maliciously misrepresent people and attribute to them in public what they never told you in your private meeting with them”.

“Daniel’s second abominable sin is to deny the targeted genocidal killings of Christians in Nigeria. There have been sustained campaigns of extermination of Christians in Nigeria running unabated for almost two decades in which tens of thousands have been killed, maimed, scores of Christian communities destroyed, and millions displaced within and outside Nigeria”.

“Most of the communities sacked Benue, Plateau and other Christian States have already been occupied and renamed by the aggressors. The aim is ethnic cleansing with the sole intention of exterminating the Christian population so as to create living spaces for a certain group of people and have a homogeneous Nigeria reflective of one main religion”.

“It is, therefore, a shame that Daniel Bwala who hails from Borno State , the epicenter of Boko Haram’s brutality would live in flagrant denial of the extermination of his own people. He must have lost fellow Christians in the state, yet the cosy red wine of the presidential palace has blinded his sensitivity to the memory of their blood. Daniel’s duplicity, whether it is for political correctness or a desperate bid to please his paymasters as an ignoble political jobber, has left in its trail nothing but a history that will judge him hashly”.

“His denial of the plight of the Christian population of Nigeria, especially those of northern extraction, is an insult to the collective sensitivity of Christians, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world. It is like denying that the Holocaust never happened. It is also like saying that the Rwandan Genocide never happened”.

“Daniel’s action has added more pains to the trauma of war and the fear of extermination facing the Nigerian Christian community. Denying the truth of people’s horrifying existential experiences will exacerbate the situation and cause more damage than whatever political gains that the clueless, selfish and shameless adviser unwittingly seeks to achieve”.

“Daniel should do well to check people like Daniel and Esther in the Bible who stood for justice in their generation and prevented the extermination of their people rather than perpetuating it just as he is doing”.

“Seeking political relevance at all cost has been the trademark of Daniel’s political engagement. It is very unfortunate that political prostitutes bereft of all morals are left to occupy sensitive positions of influence over saner and nobler people. That is the paradox of our nation. In civilized climes, the antecedents of people like Daniel Bwala should have given them away as unprofitable, inconsequential, treacherous and unreliable political charlatans”.

“It is such a shame that Daniel, like Esau, has decided to sell his conscience for a morsel of bread and the fleeting, transient allure of power and political influence. He is nothing but a traitor to his own people and a disgrace to the entire Christian community in Nigeria. He has caused more pains and trauma in the hearts of survivors than the guns and bullets of the enemy”.

“Well, Daniel should be reminded that positions are temporary, and when the position is over, he has his conscience to face on earth and God to face in the hereafter. Whatever position he occupies today is transient but the consequences of his actions will live with him forever”.

“As a nation, it is time to heal, and time to move on, but only if we all lend our voices to the truth rather than standing in denial of it. We commend our security forces for their relentless fight against all agents of war and terror in our nation, and we enjoin all well meaning leaders and stakeholders at all levels and across divides to stand by the truth and unite for the cause of enduring and sustainable peace”.

The group further called on Nigerians to promote healing and unity through truth and justice, rather than through denial or political correctness.

FG Moves to Develop Inclusive Policy for Welfare of Older Persons

Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a comprehensive and inclusive national policy framework aimed at improving the welfare and protection of older persons and vulnerable Nigerians.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, disclosed this in Abuja during a Road Walk, Sensitization and Advocacy Programme organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN).

Dr. Sununu said the initiative underscores the government’s growing commitment to ensuring that senior citizens live in dignity and are not left behind in the nation’s development agenda.

“We are determined to build a society that values its elderly population and provides them with the care, inclusion, and respect they deserve,” he said.

President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, commended participants and stakeholders for their consistent support in advancing the welfare of older persons. He renewed calls for the speedy passage of the Older Persons Rights and Privileges Bill, currently before the National Assembly, noting that it would provide a stronger legal framework to safeguard the rights of senior citizens.

Representing the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, the Centre’s Special Adviser on Policy and Strategic Leadership, Dr. Tijani Ahmed Ajayi, reaffirmed NSCC’s commitment to working closely with COSROPIN and other advocacy groups to enhance the well-being of the elderly.

Hon. Akinyemi-Obe also urged state governments to domesticate the National Senior Citizens Act to ensure that older persons across the country benefit fully from its provisions.

The event marked the culmination of activities for the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) a global celebration that recognizes the contributions of older people and highlights issues affecting their welfare, rights, and inclusion in society.

Oyetola Inaugurates Committee to Fast-Track Gateway Inland Dry Port Project

…Restates FG’s commitment to harnessing blue economy opportunities

Emmanuel Daudu

In a strategic move to accelerate Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure growth, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has inaugurated a Project Development Committee (PDC) for the Gateway Inland Dry Port (IDP) located in Papalanto, Ogun State.

The inauguration marks a major step in the Federal Government’s drive to unlock the vast economic potential of the maritime and logistics sector under the Blue Economy framework.

Represented by the Director of the Federal Department of Fishery and Aquaculture, Wellington Omoragbon, the Minister said the initiative reflects the administration’s determination to reform, modernize, and fully harness the sector’s role in driving sustainable national growth.

According to Oyetola, the formation of the Project Development Committee is a “concrete affirmation of the Federal Government’s strategic direction” toward ensuring that the inland port becomes a functional hub supporting seamless trade and logistics operations across the region.

The committee draws membership from key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ogun State Government, and the designated concessionaire, Arise Group.

Under the structure announced, the Permanent Secretary of FMMBE, Olufemi Oloruntola, will serve as Chairman, while the Director of Maritime Services and the Executive Secretary of the NSC will serve as Co-Chair and Member, respectively. To preserve institutional knowledge and coordination, the Secretariat will operate within the Ministry’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) Division.

The PDC’s mandate includes:

Developing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective commissioning and sustained operation of the Dry Port.

Establishing strong liaison frameworks with relevant federal and state agencies.

Designing strategies to sensitize stakeholders on Dry Port utilization.

Overseeing all procurement processes in line with the ICRC Act 2005 and the Public Procurement Act 2007.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, commended the Minister’s leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. He noted that Inland Dry Ports are critical trade enablers, serving as inland extensions of seaports that connect producers and exporters to global markets and boost economic productivity.

The Gateway Inland Dry Port, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2006, is one of six inland ports initiated under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

With the committee’s inauguration, the Federal Government reaffirms its resolve to position the Blue Economy as a key driver of diversification, job creation, and sustainable national growth.

RMAFC, FIRS Launch Joint Revenue Recovery Drive to Boost Federation Account

Maryam Aminu

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and plug revenue leakages, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has inaugurated a team of consultants to lead a nationwide revenue recovery exercise.

The official flag-off, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the RMAFC Headquarters in Abuja, brought together key fiscal stakeholders, including the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, and the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue Matters and FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head of Information and Public Relations at RMAFC, said the initiative represents “a bold and coordinated step towards improving Nigeria’s fiscal discipline and ensuring that all revenues due to the Federation are fully recovered and transparently remitted.”

Dr. Shehu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening fiscal governance, noting that the engagement of consultants is “not a routine administrative action but a deliberate, result-oriented innovation designed to ensure every recoverable naira due to the Federation is transparently remitted.”

He added that the exercise aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.

L-R: Representative of the SA to President on Revenue Matters and Executive Chairman, FIRS Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the Coordinating Director, FIRS Mr. Shettima Tamadi; RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR in a hand shake after the Inauguration of Engaged Consultants for Revenue Recovery Exercise at RMAFC Hq, Abuja.

Representing the FIRS Chairman, the Coordinating Director, Mr. Shettima Tamadi, commended RMAFC for its proactive leadership, stressing that “Nigeria has a huge revenue gap, but with stronger collaboration between agencies and partners, we can bridge that gap and achieve sustainable fiscal growth.”

The Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Joseph Nwaeze Okechukwu, urged the engaged consultants to deliver within the six-month timeframe and ensure that all identified recoverable revenues are promptly returned to the Federation Account to support national development priorities.

Accepting the assignment on behalf of the consultants, the lead consultant, Mr. Temitayo Ojeleke, described the engagement as a “national call to duty,” assuring RMAFC and FIRS of their dedication to professionalism, transparency, and measurable outcomes.