As Niger State continues to find ways to curb insecurity linked to drug abuse bedevilling it, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Niger Command says it has seized a total of 10,127.84 kilograms of various illicit drugs from January 2025 to date.

Commander Shehu Gwadabawa, who disclosed this during the climax of activities marking the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking also revealed that 189 suspected drug dealers were arrested, out of which 173 have been convicted and are serving their jail terms.

Niger State, which borders the Benin Republic and states like Kogi, Kwara, Kaduna, FCT, Kebbi and Zamfara, makes it a hotbed for terrorism and other illicit crimes, including drug abuse and trafficking.

The NDLEA, saddled with the responsibility to tackle the menace, says that in Niger State, they have been making efforts to cut drug demand reduction alongside drug supply reduction.

The Agency also stated that it has adopted strategies such as the use of technology, policy reforms, counselling, and rehabilitation.

Other stakeholders, including Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the Emir of Minna, Umar-Faruq Bahago, urged youths, especially, to shun drug abuse.

This year’s theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses, ” aims to reawaken the people to the fact that drug challenges are global in nature.

Nigerian troops under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have achieved significant operational successes, rescuing three kidnapped victims and disrupting a planned terrorist attack in separate operations across Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The operations, part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks in the North West region, led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun, ammunition, motorcycles, chains used for restraining captives, military accoutrements, and other items.

On June 22, 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by their captors due to intense military pressure. The victims, who had been held for approximately three months, were identified as:

• 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu from Gara Zaima Village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State;

• 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village, Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State;

• 17-year-old Halira Usman, also from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village, Zuru LGA, Kebbi State.

The rescued women were promptly evacuated and provided with medical evaluation and care.

In a separate intelligence-driven operation on June 23, 2026, troops of the 8 Division Garrison ambushed suspected terrorists at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The terrorists, who were reportedly heading to carry out attacks, came under heavy fire from the troops and fled in disarray, abandoning their weapons and equipment.

The successes highlight the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations and credible intelligence in denying criminals freedom of action in the region.

The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that troops will continue to maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements until peace and normalcy are restored across the North West.

The statement was issued on June 24, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering involving $2.53 million.

In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency revealed that it has filed a 12-count charge against Bodejo on June 22, 2026. He is accused of receiving and possessing large sums of foreign currency suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The charges allege that Bodejo received multiple cash payments — ranging from $100,000 to $980,000 — from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant General of Bauchi State, without routing the transactions through any financial institution as required by law.

The EFCC further claims that portions of the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, thereby violating Nigeria’s money laundering statutes. The case also involves allegations of terrorism financing.

Bodejo, who has been linked to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, is expected to be formally arraigned in the coming days to take his plea as court proceedings commence.

The alleged offences are punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The EFCC stated that further proceedings will follow once an arraignment date is fixed by the court.