News

NDLEA arrests 31,675, seizes 6.3 million kg drugs in 29 months

Published

3 years ago

June 19, 2023

279 Views

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

President Tinubu’s visiting Turkiye tomorrow

The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

Published

13 hours ago

January 25, 2026

OCHEFA

13 Views

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

Bayo Onanuga , Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy), said that during President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment.

The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit.

Members of the President’s entourage participating in the bilateral discussions include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

Others are: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.

News

Lagos Fire Service Contains Warehouse Fire at Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Area (Photos)

Published

20 hours ago

January 25, 2026

Charles Flames

19 Views

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) responded to a distress call at 20:29 hours regarding a fire outbreak at an expansive warehouse located on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile 2, Lagos.

Firefighting crews arrived the scene promptly at 20:40 hours. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa Fire Stations were immediately mobilised to combat the blaze.

The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing significant risk.

Through swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining facilities. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained, as investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times.

News

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Human-Centered Approach to AI in Education on International Day of Education 2026

Published

21 hours ago

January 25, 2026

Charles Flames

24 Views

In a message issued to mark the International Day of Education, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urged Nigerians and the global community to prioritize human agency amid the rise of artificial intelligence in learning environments.

This year’s observance, held annually on January 24 under United Nations auspices, carries the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

The First Lady emphasized that education continues to serve as the most powerful instrument for equipping individuals with knowledge, values, creativity, and ethical judgment essential for success in a fast-changing, technology-driven era.

“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” Senator Tinubu stated.

“Humans must remain the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation while preserving the values that define us and sustain development.

”Highlighting Nigeria’s national priorities, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in quality and inclusive education that enables children and youth to develop critical thinking, act with responsibility, and approach the future with confidence and compassion.

The First Lady’s message aligns with broader global discussions on balancing technological advancement with the irreplaceable role of human insight in education systems.

She concluded her address with warm greetings:

“Happy International Day of Education 2026.