NDLEA seizes 10000kg of marijuana, secures conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo
The NDLEA Commander addressing students before sensitisation walk in Akure
Rehabilitation
By Segun Giwa
Akure, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday, said it sezed 10,000 kg of marijuana and secured the conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo State between June 2023 and May 2024.
The NDLEA Narcotics Commander in Ondo State, Mr Kayode Raji, said this after a sensitisation walk around parts of Akure metropolis to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Raji said that the command during the period under review also rehabilitated over 20 persons and counselled 18 others through its drug demand reduction programme in the state.
The Narcotics Commander said that 120 farmers cultivating marijuana on farmlands in different parts of the state were also arrested.
Raji said that the agency’s programmes across its areas of command in the state was with the objective of bringing awareness to the doorstep of everybody.
According to him, the agency is investing more into prevention of Illicit drug usage and planting, rather than announcement of numbers of arrests made.
“The joy in rehabilitation of drug dependant persons is that we don’t just rehabilitate and send them back to the society, we follow up on them, so that they don’t fall back to their old ways,” the commander said.
An NDLEA Ambassador and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) official, Mr Seyi Ogundipe, said the day was important because of its objective to save youths from consumption of illicit drugs.
Ogundipe said that the national students body would continue to advocate a drug free society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is: “Evidence is Clear, Invest In Prevention.”
The United Nations declared June 26 annually the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to focus attention on the menace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VIO confirms murder of personnel by “one chance” operators in Abuja
Murder
By Isah Yahaya
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), FCT, has confirmed the death of its personnel, Prisca Chikodi, who was murdered by “one chance” operators in Abuja.
The Head, Public Relations and Enlightenment of the service, Mr Kalu Emetu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Emetu said the incident occurred on June 21, around 6:45pm after her boss dropped her off at area 1 bus stop where she boarded a vehicle going to Gwagwalada.
“It turned to be that the occupants of the vehicle were criminals, popularly called ‘one chance’ operators.
“But unfortunately, she did not live to explain what actually happened on their way.
“This is because her corpse was found around 12:45am on June 22, at Shetima Mogonu st., behind Berger, Utako.
“Meanwhile, her looks at death does not show any sign that she was shot, stabbed or strangulated, but looks like one in a normal sleep,” he said.
He said that the Directorate is in a deep mourning as she was one of the brilliant and very obedient officers in the Directorate.
Emetu said that she was until her death, a personal assistant to the Deputy Director, Human Resources in the Directorate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
New Kano CP urges public to volunteer information to Police
Information
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 26,2024 ( NAN) Mr Salman Dogo, the new Commissioner of Police in Kano State, has appealed to the public to provide timely information to the police to help fight crimes in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dogo made the appeal while addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Tuesday in Kano.
He said that voluntary information from residents was crucial in identifying and apprehending suspicious individuals and curbing criminal acts.
He said that the police have issued operational orders to Area commanders, and divisional police officers to effectively confront any form of security threats.
Dogo urged stakeholders to support the police by mobilising residents to be security conscious and report dubious characters.
He highlighted the importance of community policing and encouraged residents to come forward with information to aid in apprehending criminals.
The commissioner reiterated the police’s commitment to securing lives and property, promising to reward hard working officers.
He urged the public to support the police in their efforts to ensure peace and stability in the state.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
Nigerian Troops to be deployed to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping mission on Wednesday in Jaji Military Cantonment
Army deploys 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping
Deployment
By Muhammad Tijjani
Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 26, 2024(NAN)The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, announced the deployment of 177 personnel for a peace keeping mission in Guinea-Bissau.
The Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, made the announcement at the graduation ceremony of troops of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji.
Sinjen said, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crisis, which poses a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.”
He, however, said the Nigerian Government, through ECOWAS, stood united with the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau.
Sinjen said the graduation reaffirmed their unwavering commitment in supporting the Government of the Republic of GuineaBissau to consolidate its authority.
This is in order to address the security challenges, strengthen democratic governance and foster stability in the country.
” This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission which has been extended severally to consolidate the relative peace and stability in the country.
“You gallant men of the Nigerian Army have been trained by this renowned Centre of Excellence to play that critical role.
“This Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) has equipped you with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge to support the government of Guinea-Bissau in stabilizing the country.
” I therefore urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations, “he said.
The chief of operations charged the troops to conduct themselves professionally in accordance with these guidelines of the mission.
“You will be operating in a complex and diverse environment, where various ethnic groups coexist.
” I implore you to maintain the highest level of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and the sovereignty of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“As ambassadors of Nigeria, your behaviour will reflect on the nation’s image, so I urge you to uphold the highest standards of conduct and maintain the integrity of our esteemed profession,” he said.
Sinjen urged them to embody the core values of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and refrain from any actions that could compromise the mission’s objectives or undermine our nation’s reputation.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Any personnel found guilty of such offenses will face severe consequences,” he warned.
Sinjen cautioned that drug trafficking and abuse were grave offences that would not be condoned in any form.
“The Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity remains unbroken,” he added.
Sinjen appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering commitment towards enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping troops through realistic training which was one of the key pillars of his command philosophy.
“His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the readiness and capabilities of our troops and I am deeply appreciative of his support, “he said.
Earlier, the Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the PDT that began in May. 19 , was designed to prepare the contingent on contemporary peacekeeping operations for a successful tour of duty in Guinea-Bissau.
Adedoja said during the course of the PDT, the troops were exposed to a series of lectures on contemporary peacekeeping operations with emphasis on the peculiar nature of the security challenges facing Guinea-Bissau.
He said the training package also included comprehensive lectures on the background and current situations in the mission area as well as the mandate of the mission.
“Additionally, the troops were exposed to mentally and physically engaging exercises to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tactical skills required in peacekeeping operations in line with the United Nations Core PDT modules.
“As you stand ready to embark on this critical mission, I urge you to carry the spirit of excellence with you.
”Your contribution to the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission will be instrumental in shaping the future of Guinea-Bissau, thus promoting peace, stability and development in West Africa.
“You are not just representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also serving as ambassadors of our great nation, “Adedoja said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding businessman of N120m in Bauchi
Arrest
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested a 35-year-old man, who allegedly defrauded an unidentified businessman in the state of N120 million.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, said that the command had made significant breakthrough in the case by arresting the suspect.
“The arrest stems from a complaint filed on April 1, 2024, regarding suspicious withdrawals totalling N2,068,000 from the complainant’s business bank account,” he said.
Wakil said that following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Auwal Musa, directed the State Intelligence Department to promptly investigate the case.
“Their meticulous efforts revealed that the suspect had unlawfully withdrawn a significant amount of N120 million from the complainant’s bank account.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to betraying the trust of his neighbor, the complainant, with whom he had shared a market space for over fifteen years,” he said.
Wakil further said the suspect disclosed that a friend he had met at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in 2011, convinced him that he could make money by accessing the wealthy individual’s phone.
“Exploiting the complainant’s trust, the suspect deceitfully borrowed his phone, allowing his accomplice to install financial applications such as Opay and MoneyPoint on it.
“This access enabled them to transfer the funds to different bank accounts on various occasions,” the police spokeman said.
Wakil said that some of the exhibits recovered from the suspect include, eight tricycles (Keke Napep), N35,000,000 in cash, and two uncompleted buildings.
Other items are sixty bags of cooking charcoal, thirty bags of fertilizer, two motorcycles and two industrial sewing machines.
He said that the suspect’s sudden wealth and change in lifestyle led to suspicion, and when questioned by his uncle and girlfriend, attributed his fortune to engagement in online trading.
Wakil said that upon the completion of investigation the suspect would be prosecuted in court.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and ensure the security of their financial platforms.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Drug
By Christian Ogbonna
Abakaliki, June 26, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Wednesday led some stakeholders on a road walk against illicit drugs and trafficking in in Ebonyi.
The walk, which took off from Abakaliki Township Stadium and ended at the popular Women Development Centre, was part of activities marking the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abakaliki.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s Day has as its theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Peter Ogar, said that the theme was apt, urging the stakeholders to support the agency’s operatives and invest in prevention of drug abuse in the society.
Ogar said that the road walk was aimed at creating awareness and strategy to properly educate residents of the state on the dangers of drug intake.
He expressed the command’s commitment to clamping down on illicit drugs in the state.
“This year’s celebration is very significant and we have sensitised the people, especially those in the hinterlands. We are urging the men, women and youths to say ‘No’ to illicit drug trafficking.
“The agency seeks to increase the level of awareness concerning drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“Many people are suffering from drug abuse challenges but do not know how to get solutions. The youth are dying daily due to drug abuse.
The commander said that the public enlightenment was to assist members of the society to live a healthy and drug-free life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OOC/NNO/WAS
Edited by Nick Nicholas and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) a Non Governmental Organisation says the proposed death penalty for offenders will not solve the underlying issues related to drug crime.
The Executive Director, Olufunke Adeoye, made this known while addressing newsmen in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Drug Day is celebrated every June 26 globally and the year 2024 theme is: “Evidence is clear; invest in prevention,”.
Olufunke said that the proposal would only divert attention and resources from more effective strategies such as harm reduction and rehabilitation.
She said that several comprehensive studies and reports highlighted the lack of a significant deterrent effect associated with the death penalty for drug trafficking.
She also said that amnesty International analysis pointed out that countries with high execution rates for drug offenses, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, still faced serious drug problems.
She added that a review of data from Southeast Asia, including countries like Singapore and Indonesia, shows that the death penalty has not led to a substantial reduction in drug trafficking.
According to her, Nigeria has been a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) since 1993.
“Article 6 of the treaty states that “in countries which have not abolished the death penalty, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of the commission of the crime.
“This is typically defined as those involving intentional killing of which drug offenses do not meet the threshold.
“Furthermore, at the Universal Periodic Review, the Nigerian government represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi SAN had informed the United Nations and the world on the January 23, 2024 that Nigeria has a voluntary moratorium on the death penalty.
“The proposal to include death sentences for drug offenses contradicts the position presented by the Nigerian government during the just concluded Universal Periodic Review (UPR),”he said.
Adeoye said that the death penalty inherently carried the risk of irreversible errors adding that In any judicial system, the possibility of wrongful convictions posed a serious threat to justice.
She however, said that this risk was significantly magnified in systems facing substantial challenges, such as Nigeria, which the National Assembly has been actively addressing in recent times.
According to her, death penalty perpetuates a cycle of violence and undermines the value of human life. There is a global trend towards abolition of the death penalty especially for non-violent crime.
“Part of the rationale for this is that scientific evidence and modern criminology suggests that addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality, rather than relying on severe punitive measures are the true deterrent factors.
“There is also a growing emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice rather than retribution.
“This approach aligns better with our constitutionally guaranteed human rights principles and aims to reduce recidivism.
“Nigeria through some of its recent legislations such as the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 has also shown a move from retribution to restorative justice, “she said.
Adeoye maintained that by imposing the death penalty for drug offenses, Nigeria would be moving against the global tide and its recent progressive strides.
This, she said would be by aligning itself with a shrinking minority of 34 countries that maintained such harsh penalties for drug-related crimes and the 3rd African country to do so.
NAN reports that the Senate on May 10 approved a death penalty for drug offenders found guilty of drug offence .
The lawmaker proposed a death Sentence for anyone found guilty to serve as a deterrent to drug offenders.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Drug abuse: Kogi Govt seeks investment in prevention, treatment programmes
Investment
by Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government on Wednesday, urged stakeholders and government at all levels to invest massively in prevention and treatment programmes to stem the tide of drug abuse in the country.
The Youths and Sports Commissioner, Mr Monday Anyebe, made the call during the celebration of the World Drug Day held at the Government House, Lokoja.
Anyebe, who spoke on the world drug Day theme: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention,” said the state government was ready to carry serious preventive measures to save the residents from destruction.
“As we commemorate the world drug day, the message is the same; which is laying emphasis on the need for us to begin to invest in prevention, rather than cure and rehabilitation.
“Our theme resonates deeply. We have seen firsthand, the impact of drug abuse on our communities.
“Unfortunately, we have lost talented young people, seen families torn apart, and witnessed the devastating consequences of addiction.
“But we can also witness the power of prevention which can lead to transformation of young lives, ignite hope in their eyes, and revive the resilience of their spirits.
“In Kogi today, we have a Sheriff in Gov. Usman Ododo, who believes in the well-being of every resident and who is committed to prioritising
prevention and ensuring that our youths have access to resources required to thrive, ” he said.
The commissioner said the government, through the ministry of youth and sports, and in collaboration with relevant stockholders, would continue with the advocacy, “to ensure that our people are adequately sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse.”
In his remarks, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Kogi, Mr Umar Yahuza, said there was need for urgent steps to be taken for all and sundry to safeguard teaming youths from illicit drugs destructive tendencies.
Yahuza noted that the implication of drugs on security, economic and general wellbeing was severe and worrisome to the society.
“Statistics have indicated clearly that drug problem is mutating into a colossal social dimension and has become an issue linked beyond doubt the escalation of insecurity and its attendant effects on peace and economy across the country.
“The command has discovered and destroyed cannabis farms in Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Omala, Idah, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas of the state.
“Assets of drug dealers are also being seized as a way of crippling them of their illegal wealth and have been tendered in court for forfeiture, ” he said.
The commander urged traditional institutions, Religious and opinion Leaders, NGOs etc to give a helping hand to ensure drug free Kogi and Nigeria as a whole. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/CHOM/SH
Forum lauds Gov. Sani, CDS for tackling insecurity in Kaduna
Security
By Ezra Musa
Kaduna, June. 26, 2024 (NAN)The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has commended the collaboration by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, towards tackling insecurity in the state.
Ango Bally, Chairman of the forum, made this known in a press statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Kaduna.
According to him, the synergy has led to the establishment of three new military commands in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, in addition to a base to be set up by the Air Force in Millennium City, Chikun Local Area.
He said the strategic moves would significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region while enhancing agricultural activities in the state.
Bally said, “The forum is optimistic that the deployment of additional military personnel would significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear.”
He listed the communities as Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas that have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.
Bally added, ” A robust military presence in the areas, will no doubt bring sanity by boosting citizens, farmer’s confidence for robust agricultural activities to combat poverty and unemployment across the state.”
The forum also commended the governor’s initiative to further enhance security across the state by distributing 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorbikes to various security agencies.
The forum equally recognised Sani’s laudable efforts in uniting the state towards achieving sustainable peace through the formation of the Kaduna Elders’ Forum to help chart a new course for the unity and development of the state.
The forum congratulated Sani for marking one year in office and particularly lauded his efforts towards inclusive governance as evident with the recent inauguration of development projects that cut across Southern and Northern parts of the state.
Bally said, ”However, we are calling on the governor to take deliberate practical steps to reconcile the regrettable retrogressive politics by building bridges of unity and inclusive politics across the state for sustainable development to be achieved.”
In the same vein, the forum called on Sani to demonstrate the pro-democracy, rule of law to respect, implement the court judgment which nullified the dethronement of Piriga traditional ruler, Chief Jonathan Zamuna.
Bally said, “Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali’s judgement of the National Industrial Court sitting in Kaduna, had on June 10, declared the dethronement of Chief Zamuna null and void for lack of fair hearing and ordered for his reinstatement with all salaries arrears paid and all privileges restored within 30 days.
”The court also ordered the Kaduna state government to pay Chief Zamuna N10 million damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights. The copy of judgement has already been released.“(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Naval chief inaugurates Ratings’ quarters in Abuja
Accommodation
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 36 apartments for Senior Ratings of the Nigerian Navy as part of efforts to boost the welfare of personnel.
Performing the ceremony in Abuja, Ogalla said the quarters comprised six blocks of buildings housing 12 units of three-bedroom apartments and 18 units of two-bedroom aprtments.
He said that construction of the building quarters was in line with his commitment to enhance the welfare of personnel of the navy.
Speaking with newsmen, the Commander of Naval Unit, Abuja, Commodore Tanko Lengaya, said that the welfare of personnel in the area of accommodation had been a pressing issue before the assumption of office of the current CNS.
Lengaya said the new quarters located in Kubwa was one of the many being provided nationwide for personnel to ensure that the naval ratings get befitting shelters.
“This will go a long way to reducing the challenges of accommodation for the ratings and this will be permanent accommodation for the senior rates,” he said.
The commander said that the presence of the navy personnel in the Kubwa area would assist in terms of coordinating security in the area.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to take good care of the accommodation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
