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HURIWA Applauds NDLEA, Seeks Financial Autonomy
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has lauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its transformative fight against drug trafficking and abuse, describing its performance under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) as exemplary.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the NDLEA’s remarkable successes, including dismantling drug cartels, seizing large quantities of narcotics, and arresting traffickers.
The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the agency with unwavering support, enabling its progress.
HURIWA highlighted recent NDLEA operations, such as the interception of nearly two tonnes of cannabis, known as “Ghanaian Loud,” at Lagos’s Eleko Beach, and the arrest of six foreign nationals involved in the smuggling.
“These achievements reflect the agency’s unyielding commitment to protecting Nigerians from the menace of narcotics,” HURIWA stated.
The association also applauded the NDLEA’s strategic focus on capacity building, particularly its collaboration with the German government for a two-week training program for officers. The training covered critical areas like crime scene investigation and the use of the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS).
“Capacity building is crucial in countering evolving drug trafficking methods. The NDLEA’s proactive investment in training ensures that its officers remain ahead of traffickers’ tactics,” the statement read.
HURIWA further emphasized the need for sustained financial support, urging the federal government to grant the NDLEA full financial autonomy. It warned of the potential infiltration of drug money into Nigeria’s political system, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
“Adequate funding for the NDLEA is essential to ensure that drug barons do not undermine the integrity of our democracy,” the group asserted.
Looking ahead to 2025, HURIWA expressed confidence in the NDLEA’s ability to adapt to anticipated challenges posed by evolving drug cartel tactics. It urged Nigerians, state governments, and international partners to collaborate with the agency in promoting drug prevention and awareness.
“The NDLEA, under General Marwa’s results-driven leadership, has restored public confidence in its ability to tackle the drug menace head-on. We salute the agency for its outstanding efforts and call on the federal government to continue supporting this critical fight,” HURIWA concluded.
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.