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Author: Ibironke Ariyo

  • NDLEA destroys 28,959kg cannabis in Edo, Ekiti forests

    NDLEA destroys 28,959kg cannabis in Edo, Ekiti forests

    Forests

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed not less than 10, 534.78 kilograms of cannabis (also called Marijuana), cultivated on 4.213912 hectares of farmland in Edo.

    NDLEA’s Spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja, said that the farm was located at Uhen forest in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.

    Babafemi said that the operatives of the agency, who raided the forests on Wednesday, June 12 arrested four suspects.

    He gave the names of the the suspects as Frank Ishoku, 38; Clifford Ossai, 49; Vanger Timothy, 30; and John Oluwaseyi, 30, adding that 16kg processed cannabis was recovered for the purpose of prosecution.

    Babafemi added that operatives of the agency also destroyed a 18,425kg of the same psychoactive substance on 7.37 hectares of farmland.

    Similarly, he said personnel of sister security agencies supported the agency’s operations in the thick forest of Ise Ekiti, on Friday.

    “In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, two suspects – Muhammad Abba, 33, and Samson Ehizogie, 42, were arrested with 3,550 bottles of Akuskura.

    “This is a new mixture of psychotropic substances, seized by operatives during a raid on Friday June 14 at Garki Area 10 and Dutse Suokale, both within the FCT.”

    In another development, Babafemi said that Mr Emmanuel Ogechi, 24, was nabbed with 11,200 pills of tramadol on Wednesday, June 12 along Otukpo-Enugu road, by NDLEA operatives in Benue.

    He said another suspect, Anayo Onwe, 40, was arrested with 62.4kg cannabis sativa at Nteje,, saying the agency’s operatives seized 1kg of methamphetamine belonging to a fleeing suspect, in Oraifite, in Anambra.

    “In Kwara, Muhammed Musa, 24, was arrested with 33kg cannabis at Bode-Saadu, Jebba, while Shokuro Adeola, 59, was nabbed with 11.5kg of same substance along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Oyo state,” he said.  (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KOO/AMM

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

  • Sallah: Be safety-conscious on roads, VIO urges motorists

    Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office(VIO) Mayors of the Federation

    Safety

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has urged motorists to be safety-conscious during the Sallah celebration across the country.

    Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO),  Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Suberu, who congratulated Muslim Faithful on the observance of the feast, urged the people to show love to other road users in the spirit of the celebration.

    He, however, called on them to sustain that spirit of kindness and consideration for others to reflect safety on roads.

    The VIO boss also urged members of the public to be patient,while using the road to avoid road crashes, obstruction and death.

    Hen gave assurance that VIO mayors in its usual commitment to making the roads safer for all travelers, has made adequate preparation to ensure efficient traffic management and free flow of traffic during the festive period.

    He solicited for cooperation from members of the public not to disregard  measures that had been put in place by the road safety officials and other security agencies to make the celebration free, safe and peaceful.

    According to him, as you mark the 2024  Eid-el-Kabir, I urge you to show patience and obey all traffic rules and regulations to avoid any form of road mishaps.

    “ I call on all Nigerians to join hands with the VIO and other sister security agencies in its determination to ensure crash and obstruction-free celebration within the period and beyond.

    “Drive carefully to save a life, because it is only the living that can celebrate,”he said.

    Suberu,  therefore, urged Muslims to cooperate with the government toward  attainment of the collective objective of a greater Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/IAA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Isaac Aregbesola

     

     

     

  • NDLEA bursts warehouse, seizes N4.7b drugs

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Suspected drug traffickers and peddlers arrested by the NDLEA
    Cartel By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Officers of the Special Operation Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Aba have discovered a cartel controlled by three suspected drug barons.

    The agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, announced this on Sunday in Abuja.

    The agency said that the suspects were arrested and the warehouses linked to the drugs were “taken down”.

    The agency said further that substances suspected to be cocaine and methamphetamine in consignments were seized.

    It said that the drugs could worth more than N4.1 billion in street value.

    Babafemi said that the special operation was conducted between June 13 and June 14 at Boundary Avenue and a residence on Ohia road in Aba.

    “Months of intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the leaders and the seizure of 20.76 kg of cocaine and methamphetamine from them.

    He also said that the operatives of the agency in Lagos State uncovered an expansive warehouse stocked with a large consignment of a substance suspected to be codeine-based syrup located in Kirikiri.

    Babafemi said that four persons were suspected to be connected with the importation and distribution of the substance.

    He said that they were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on the facility.

    “No few than 82,000 bottles of the opioid worth more than N600 million in street value were recovered from them.

    “Also, a truck and two buses used for distributing the substance were recovered from the premises on June 10”, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Foundation distributes cash, foodstuffs to 300 less privileged

    Distribution of the foodstuffs and cash gifts

     

    foodstuffs
    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has distributed food items to over 300 poor and less privileged in Iruvochinomi, Adavi Local Government Area of  Kogi.

    The Founder of the organisation, Dr Yusuf Suberu while distributing the foodstuffs and cash gifts , said the initiative is committed to reaching out to the less-privileged people in the community during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Suberu said the gesture was borne out of  goodwill for many of the people who found themselves living in abject poverty and lacked the right and necessary assistance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed on Saturday to the rural community as palliatives to mark the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebrations.

    NAN reports that the foundation, which came into existence in August  2020, has helped thousands of the poor, needy, widows, less-privileged among others,  donating food items, money, scholarships among others.

    Suberu said the group is also committed to empowering communities in Nigeria in the areas of health, education, advocacy and livelihood, among others.

    He said the mission and vision of the foundation is to alleviate poverty and address food insecurity among others in Nigeria.

    “All we are doing is to conduct a heartwarming initiative to combat food insecurity and provide relief to the less privileged, “he said.

    According to him, today, we are here to celebrate sallah with people in the slum who feel they do not have anybody and this is what we have been doing for six years.

    “The gesture is to celebrate the sallah festival with the less- privileged and we are here today to give out what we have to people and tell them that when there is life, there is hope.

    “Hundreds of families have already received food packages containing rice. This effort has been a lifeline for many individuals who have been struggling to put food on their tables.

    Suberu called on other wealthy Nigerians to join hands by supporting the government to adequately help the needy,  especially the poor and less- privileged.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Sallah: Foundation urges national peace, unity

    Dr Yusuf Suberu

     

    Peace

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024(NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has called on Nigerians to shun violence and show love to fellow citizens during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration nationwide.

    The Founder of the organisation, Yusuf Suberu, in his Sallah message on Sunday in Abuja, urged Muslims to use the occasion to strengthen the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

    Suberu said the season should remind citizens,  especially the Muslim Faithful of the need to make sacrifices for the overall growth of the nation.

    He said the period was believed by Muslims to celebrate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim who offered to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Allah’s command.

    ”For Islamic faithful, this act is not just a symbol of love, it stresses the need for individuals to make sacrifices for the growth of Nigeria.

    ”It is hoped that these messages of peace, unity and oneness preached before and always, will continue to resound in the minds of citizens, to encourage national development.

    ”Our foundation believe Nigeria will make quicker progress toward the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation if its citizens foster peace, security and stability.

    ”These are essential for development by showing greater respect for national safety and public order and laws,” he said.

    Suberu called for more pro-active measures that would help in confronting multi-faceted challenges of kidnappings, armed robberies, smuggling, unemployment and youths restiveness among others.

    ”We believe in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, that these challenges will soon be a thing of the past.

    ”Let us join hands and support the leadership of the country so that we can all be boastful when things fall back to normal,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/DOE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong

  • Cultism Day: NGO advises parents to monitor children

    Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking,Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA)

    Cultism Day: NGO advises parents to monitor children

    Cultism
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA), has warned parents and youths to be wary of efforts to promote cultism by a group set to celebrate Confraternity Day.

    Its Founder, Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, particularly advised parents to monitor the movement of their children and youths at all times “to avoid unnecessary issues relating to criminal acts”.

    He said that a particular cult group celebrates its day every June 15, adding that it was a period when children and youths were initiated and recruited into the group.

    According to him, the date is a significant day for the group with reports of planned gatherings and potential violence.

    “We urge all schools, from primary, secondary to tertiary institutions, to be vigilant. Educators and school administrators should be particularly observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students.

    “Higher institutions of learning are advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

    “Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to be watchful of their children and wards during this period. We must monitor their movements and be attentive to any signs of distress or involvement in suspicious activities.

    “Open communication with your children is crucial. Always encourage them to speak openly about their daily experiences and any peer pressures they may face,” he said.

    Ezeanyaeche also urged communities to be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their areas.

    He tasked community leaders and local security outfits to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the closest police authority immediately.

    “Collective vigilance and prompt reporting can help maintain peace and order within our communities.

    “Your cooperation in keeping our schools and communities safe will be highly appreciated,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/ETS

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  • Sallah: Stop loading humans on top of goods, FRSC boss warns truck drivers

    Vehicle impounded by the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (NAN) Malam Shehu Mohammed at Zuba, Abuja on Saturday

    Sallah: Stop loading humans on top of goods, FRSC boss warns truck drivers

    Overloading
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 15, 2024(NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed has again warned truck and trailer drivers to desist from loading humans on top of goods especially during this Eid-El-Kabir celebration across the country.

    Mohammed who said this during Corps traffic monitoring of the Sallah travels on Saturday in Abuja added that the act posed a danger to such humans and other road users.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal had impounded a vehicle loaded with goods and human beings on top at Zuba, Abuja.

    NAN reports that the FRSC boss directed that all of the passengers seated on top of the goods should be dropped from the vehicle and   the vehicle was impounded.

    The FRSC boss observed that inspite of warnings and enforcement from the Corps to drivers and motorists, violations of traffic rules persists  in the country.

    Mohammed said that respect for traffic rules and regulations would ensure safer highways and free flow of traffic, adding that the nationwide special operation was to check the excesses of motorists.

    He said that the corps had deployed necessary logistics to increase visibility and monitoring of the environment adding that all zebra points and road side clinics were equally opened 24/7 across the country.

    He added that the FRSC had deployed over 41,000 personnel comprising the regular marshal and special marshals saying that over 700 patrol vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks were also deployed.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal addressing the public on dangers of overloading and speeding especially during this Eid-El-Kabir

    He said “I am here with my very senior officers to support our men on patrol so that we can see, we can hear, we can feel what they used to feel while on patrol.

    According to him, this will enable us access, evaluate and see how we can find solutions to their operational challenges.

    “We observed that especially in Zuba, Abuja, there is still overloading issue. We saw that drivers are still carrying two passengers in the front seat and four at the back seat.

    “We also saw some drivers are overloading their vehicles with humans and goods and we kick against this.

    “We are going to engage all their leaders and ensure this is totally address and curb to the barest minimum.

    “This ugly trend is not good for the image of the Federal Territory (FCT, the country as a whole and it is not good for the image of the FRSC as well.”he said.

    Mohammed however, called on the motoring public, especially the drivers to continue to obey traffic rules and regulations.

    He also appealed to the commuters, the passengers to talk to the drivers to avoid traffic offenses, especially the critical ones like overloading, overspeeding, dangerous driving.

    The marshal assured the motoring public and all Nigerians of the collective resolved and commitment of the corps to continue to create a safe motoring environment for all.

    He enjoined Nigerians to drive alive to stay alive adding that only the living celebrate live to celebrate.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FRSC strengthens synergy with Defence Headquarters for greater performance

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa during the courtesy visit

     

    Collaboration
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed, says the Corps has strengthened inter-agency collaboration with the Defence Headquarters for greater performance.

    A statement in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, said Mohammed stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, in Abuja on Friday.

    The corps marshal said that the visit was to consolidate the existing relationship between the Corps and the nation’s Defence Arm and seek areas of fruitful partnership.

    He described the visit as giant step towards achieving considerable mileage in inter-agency collaborations

    He commended the defence chief for his leadership qualities and the successes achieved in the area of national security.

    He appealed for collaboration in the area of human capital development, which he said, would help advance the course safety on the nation’s highways.

    He informed the CDS of the role of the Corps in improving national security through intelligence gathering.

    He said: “FRSC is a custodian of critical national infrastructure.

    “The National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIs), a database has helped in the fight against insecurity in the country.

    Responding, the CDS congratulated the corps marshal on his appointment, emphasising the critical role the Corps played in advancing national security.

    Musa assured the corps marshal of the defence headquarters’ readiness to assist the Corps in the area of personnel training as well as other veritable areas of interest.

    He highlighted the critical role the Corps played in the fight against insecurity being the security agency that has greater level of interface with the general public.

    He applauded the FRSC for the energy, resilience and steadfastness of its personnel, who against all odds with a view to make the highways safe.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OJI/ADA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,517 personnel, 83 patrol vehicles in FCT

    The Sector commander , Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command, Mr Muta’a Chorrie addressing the officers and men

     

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,517 personnel, 83 patrol vehicles in FCT
    Operations
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Command, has deployed 2,517 officers and men, 83 patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and bikes for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol operations in the territory.
    The Sector Commander, Mr Muta’a Chorrie said this on Friday in Abuja during a news briefing on the 2024 Sallah operations in the FCT.
    Chorrie said that the celebration involved mass movement of vehicles and people across the FCT, which might lead to traffic congestions like gridlock points, obstructions, and Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), among others.
    He said that the command was carrying out Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operations with the aim of ensuring motorists and other road users had a safe and memorable celebration, amidst security challenges in FCT.
    “The operation will also ensure mass movement of both vehicles and people in and out of the FCT, while ensuring vigorous public enlightenment to motorists on safe road use.
    “This, as well as rescue operation, clearing of obstructions and enforcement to traffic regulation,” he said.
    According to him, the focus of the operation is to portray the corps’ visibility and capability on the FCT road corridors through early deployment of personnel and logistics.
    “It will ensure reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs) and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
    “This will also prompt response to road traffic crash victims, engagement in robust public education and enlightenment, so speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, among others.
    “Also, high visibility of the corps on the highways, Intensify enforcement on critical offences, adequate supervision , surveillance and monitoring and harvesting feed backs from motorists
    “To this end, the corps has deployed 549 officers and 1,243 marshals which brings to the total of 2,517 personnel.
    “The command also deployed 54 patrol cars, 15 Ambulances, four Standby tow trucks and 10 patrol bikes and brings to the total of 83 vehicles in all.
    “These vehicles are for visibilities, patrol activities, clearing obstruction, emergency services and rapid response to any traffic matters in FCT and its environs, “he said.
    Chorrie explained that the corps would be collaborating with other sister agencies like the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Air force, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS).
    He said others include Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS).
    The sector commander added that the command would cover all the 21 critical corridors during the period to ensure free vehicular movement in and out of FCT.
    Chorrie assured that the rescue team would be on standby throughout the night, adding that there would be night rescue team in all commands. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/AYO/SH
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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys breathalysers to curb drunk driving

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys breathalysers to curb drunk driving

     

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Collaboration

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed says breathalysers  have been deployed to motor parks and highways to check drunk driving.

    Mohammed, while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said the the deployment was in collaboration with the Beer Sectorial Group (BSG)

    He said that the essence of the deployment was to check and stop drivers who controlled the wheel under influence, and also to minimise tendencies of fatalities on the roads.

    According to the corp marshal, i believe that most of the drivers who indulge in substances before mounting on the wheel always end up in fatal crashes.

    “Another key road traffic infraction we have stepped up against is driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.

    “This is a deadly road use behaviour that has led to unprecedented crashes and fatalities on the highways.

    “In addition to the aforementioned interventions, the corps has also gone into aggressive sensitisation campaigns for all road users.

    “This time around, we are taking it down to their door steps. We have commenced the education of these drivers at their loading bays, transit camps as well as trailer parks.

    “The essence of the exercise is to ensure that the advocacy appeals to the conscience of these drivers against unnecessary contravention of traffic rules,“ he said.

    Mohammed called on motorists, especially commuters, that the corps could not achieve a crash free celebration unless they played their part.

    According to him, this will be by checkmating the excess of these drivers any time they transit from one destination to another.

    “When drivers drive recklessly, it is your right as commuters to speak up and report such drivers to FRSC operatives or any other security outposts on the highways.

    “Expectedly, with the massive deployment of these breathalysers, and the envisaged public support, the corps is confident that the celebration would be a huge success,” he said.

    The FRSC boss reassured motorist of the corps renewed vigour towards entrenching sanity on the roads, and wished all Nigerians safe and peaceful Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/AYO/SH

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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza