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NDLEA arrests 31,675, seizes 6.3 million kg drugs in 29 months
The fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking has yielded significant results in the last 29 months with the arrest of 31,675 drug offenders, this is according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
The NDLEA added that of the 31,675 arrested offenders, 5, 147 were prosecuted and convicted, while over 6.3 million kilogrammes of assorted drugs were seized within the same period.
This was as the agency charged citizens to stop the stigmatisation of drug users, adding that it discourages them from seeking treatment, which in turn has serious socio-economic repercussions for individuals and their families.
The Secretary, NDLEA, Mr Shadrach Haruna, who represented the Chairman, Buba Marwa, made this known in Abuja on Monday during a joint press briefing with the country representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr Oliver Stolpe, to flag off weeklong activities marking the 2023 World Drug Day.
Haruna said, “This year’s theme, ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,’ is in furtherance of the whole-of-society approach to taming the drug scourge. This theme is especially pertinent to the Nigerian situation at the moment.
“In the past two and a half years, we have strengthened our law enforcement efforts to cut down on the supply of drugs in society. In 29 months, we have arrested 31,675 drug offenders, including 35 barons; successfully prosecuted and convicted 5,147 of them; and over 11,000 other cases still pending in court, while 23,725 drug users have been counselled and rehabilitated, the majority of them through brief interventions.
“At least 6.3 million kilogrammes of various illicit substances have been recovered in response to our efforts to sweep up drugs and shut down the distribution channels. We have destroyed 852.142 hectares of cannabis farms and dismantled three clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. I can assure you that even as we speak, NDLEA agents are busy with interdiction activities somewhere.”
He further noted that drug supply reduction is, however, only one of the components of the equation, noting that another crucial component is drug demand reduction, which operationally means prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
In his remark, Stolpe emphasised the benefits of international cooperation in criminal justice matters, with the specific target of dismantling trafficking networks involved in the terrible trade.
“Long overdue is the need to make sure that the public and primary healthcare providers are better prepared to take basic drug counselling needs, knowing how to deal with people suffering from drug use disorders,” Mr Stolpe said while commending the NDLEA for the successes recorded so far in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
News
Dr Claudiana Ibijoke, Sanwo-Olu ‘s wife clocks 59 today ; husband praises her virtues
She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.
• Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu…Photo Credit: LASG
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his darling wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.
He described her as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, the First Lady and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), clocks 59 on Thursday, January 8. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the Lagos State First Lady as a caring partner, committed prayer warrior and loving wife and mother.
He said his wife of over two decades has been a dependable and reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, I celebrate my darling and loving wife, trusted and reliable partner, prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.
“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, and a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children.
She is my dependable partner, who has complemented the roles that God has given us with all sense of dignity.
“She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.
“On this occasion of her 59th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.
“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general.
I wish Ibijoke good health and more fruitful, prosperous and impactful years ahead.”
News
GNI FIRE: Governor Soludo Sympathises with Omatu ‘s Family
The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed profound condolences and deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident that occurred and claimed lives at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
Governor Soludo commiserates with all families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate inferno, regretting that this catastrophic event, which transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable tragedy, has left numerous hearts heavy with griefs.
The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
These industrious young men, who were simply striving to earn an honest living for their families, have been taken from us in the most tragic circumstances. Their loss represents not just a family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State.
In the statement signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, Soludo commended the response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and all other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation,
Soludo also advised Anambra citizens residing in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over recovering property and goods in the event of a fire outbreak.
Thus, Governor Soludo wishes all affected families the strength to bear and recover from their irreplaceable losses, while praying that the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.
He also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
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