By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Government has inaugurated the first barracks that would provide office and residential accommodation for personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the role of NDLEA in the society could not be overstated.

Fagbemi said that the provision was 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.

He said the facility, which included modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, was not just a physical structure.

He added that it was a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve.

This, he said, was to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families could live and thrive with dignity and security.

According to him, the fight against drug abuse is a fight for the 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 reassure you 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 said.

Fagbemi urged NDLEA officers who would inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service.

According to him, the nation looks at NDLEA officers not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of 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.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion.

The minister praised President Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed.

He also appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, towards the operational successes of NDLEA.

“This project, which has been conceptualised and driven by retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, 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 Marwa has revitalised the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service delivery,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the modern barracks is coming 35 years after the establishment of the NDLEA. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Yakubu Uba

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in commemoration of the 37th anniversary of its inception, has activated a mini driver’s licence printing farm in Lagos State.

The Corps Marshal, Mr Shehu Mohammed, said during the inauguration of the Lagos Mini Print Farm on Tuesday that the farm would help to reduce hardship experienced by motorists while acquiring driver’s licence.

Mohammed was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko from the Motor Vehicle Administration Unit of FRSC, Abuja.

Mohammed said that the print farm had a  maximum production capacity of 1,800 copies per hour and 9,000 in six hours.

“This plant is to ensure that people who apply for licence, after due diligence,  get their licence within a period of time.

“FRSC came up with this concept to streamline the driver’s license process and ensure backlogs are cleared,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that backlog in states amounted to 270,000, urging applicants to collect their licence in time.

He said that the harmonised data base for drivers in the country still resided in Abuja.

He, however, said that for printing purposes, applicants residing in Lagos State would have theirs done by the  new print farm.

“It is our expectation that this centre will take care of all applicants from the South-West.

“Outstandings not picked are a challenge for us.  As long as applicants don’t have the card, FRSC has not finished its job,” he said.

Mohammed thanked Lagos State Government for partnership, and pledged that FRSC would to continue to do its best in service delivery.

Mr Abdul Rasheed Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, thanked FRSC for the initiative.

He hoped that it would address challenges faced in driver’s licence issuance.

“We hope that with the coming up of the farm, waiting for Abuja to send Lagos driver’s licence will be a thing of the past,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, handed over 59 kidnapped victims rescued by security agencies to the Kaduna State Government.

The rescued victims comprising 24 male adults, 28 female adults and six children, were rescued from various locations in Kaduna State while one victim was receiving care in the hospital.

In his remarks, Ribadu said the rescue was achieved in joint operations of all the security forces under the directives of President Bola Tinubu to work extra to ensure that peace, security and normalcy were restored in the country.

“Yet again today, we have just received those who were rescued from captivity as a result of kidnapping by bandits.

“They are going back to their homes, we have seen them. It has been the case.

“Thousands and thousands of people have got grace and the work of President Bola Tinubu have been able to bring peace, security and restore their freedom and they are going back.

“We believe it is a journey. Already a lot is taking place and we are restoring order, we are bringing justice, we are bringing back peace to our country.

“About 59 or so people today. Last week, another number like that, and thousands and thousands and it is ongoing across the country.

“It is also a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr President,” he said.

Ribadu commended the security forces led by the 1 Division Nigerian Army to ensure successful rescue of the victims.

He also commended the efforts of Kaduna Government for cooperating with the Federal Government and the security forces to rid the state of insecurity.

“I would like to thank all those who are in charge or in the forefront of fighting to keep us safe in our country.

“The armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police, all of us are working as one and we are seeing the result.

“We thank God for this opportunity given to us. We will continue to work and indeed it is a matter of time, Nigeria will be peaceful and we will restore order, definitely,” he added.

The representative of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, assured that the military, in collaboration with all intelligence and security agencies, were fully committed to ensuring peace and security across the country.

He said they would continue to work under the coordination of the NSA to actualise the intent of the Commander-in-Chief.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, Sani Kila, who represented the state government, thanked the NSA for ensuring that all kidnapped victims were returned to their families.

“First, I have to sincerely commend the effort of Mr President in gearing attention and ensuring that security is number one priority in the land.

“Secondly, I must also commend my Governor, Distinguished Sen. Uba Sani, for following in the shoes of Mr President.

“He is doing a lot to ensure that the citizens of Kaduna State are freed and they live peacefully,” he said.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were rescued from different locations in the state by the security forces.

He said that some had been in captivity for more than four months.

“These captives were rescued along Abuja-Kaduna Way, specifically at Rijana General Area, and through the effort of the various security agencies that is yielding fruit.

“We should commend Mr President and commend all of them and we should continue to pray.

“Some of them have been with the captives for about four months, and in different periods in between, but the most recent period has been four months.

“Based on intelligence that we have been collecting, the NSA directed us to tie up with 1 Division Nigerian Army, which is the lead in Kaduna, to conduct operations within the area which we have identified to rescue these people.

“1 Division was the lead in these operations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu said this at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday.

The President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.

Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, and the biennial report on the implementation of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).

The President’s statement was delivered at the meeting on his behalf by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

“I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos,” he said.

Nigeria also signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.

Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria’s defence minister, signed the agreement, under which the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Tuggar, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Naval Chief, and Amb. Muhammed Muhammed, the Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the AU.

President Tinubu expressed satisfaction that the AUPSC had already adopted the outcomes of a high–level meeting, including the decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter–Terrorism Centre.

He also appreciated the Peace and Security Council’s decision to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, addressing the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.

On Libya, the Nigerian leader expressed concern that the instability in the North African country had worsened security challenges in the Sahel and called on the Assembly to back initiatives to restore law and order.

“The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not,” he warned.

President Tinubu highlighted the severe insecurity affecting countries grappling with democratic transition, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon.

“It would not be out of place to explore the possibility of extending the inherent benefits of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU Peace Support Operations,” he said.

In doing so, he added that the AU must try to prevent the increasing incursion of extra-continental forces, including private military companies, into African security matters.

President Tinubu welcomed the progress in operationalising the African Standby Force, reiterating Nigeria’s support.

He appealed to all AU member countries and delegations to show the necessary flexibility and allow the draft MoU on the operationalisation of the standby force to be adopted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has trained 100 inmates in various vocational skills across six custodial facilities in Gombe State.

Mr Salihu Abdullahi, the Controller of Corrections in the state, said this during the graduation exercise of the inmates.

He said the inmates were rehabilitated and exposed to various trades to enable them to become self-reliant.

Abdullahi said the skills acquisition programme aligned with the mandate of the service to ensure effective rehabilitation of the inmates to facilitate their reintegration into the society.

He said the introduction of the acquisition programme into the custodial centres made it a place of hope for the inmates.

The controller said that part of the mandate of the Service was to reform inmates to become better at the end of their term.

Abdullahi commended the Chief Judge of Gombe, Justice Halima Mohammed, for the initiative aimed at empowering the inmates to become better citizens of the state.

Also speaking, Justice Mohammed said the training was aimed at empowering inmates to become better members of the society upon exiting correctional facilities.

Represented by Abdulsalam Mohammed, a Judge of the Higher Court, Mohammed said the skills acquisition programme remained one of the best tools to empower the youths to become financially independent.

“The best way of discouraging them from going back to crimes after leaving the centre is to make them useful to themselves through skills.

“Many of the inmates after serving out their jail terms go back to crimes, and barely 14 days they are back to the centre for committing one crime or the other.

“This is unacceptable and we can not make progress in that regard, and that’s why we are emphasising skills acquisition programme to change the narrative.

“Skills acquisition has been helpful in discouraging youths from going back to crimes and that’s why we are calling on entrepreneurs and organisations in the state to support such training,” she said.

Also speaking, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, the Secretary to Gombe State Government, commended the service for reforming inmates through skills acquisition and other educational programmes.

Represented by retired Lt.-Col. Abdullahi Bello, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Njodi pledged the government’s commitment to support the inmates towards ensuring that they become better citizens.

Mr Musa Nelson, the Industry Manager, NCoS Gombe State Command, said the inmates were exposed to carpentry, cosmetology, tailoring and design, electrical skills, barbing, cap making, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali