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Nigeria, UK Convict Over 9,000, Arrest 52, 000 For Illicit Drug Offences

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The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) has said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom have convicted over 9000 persons for illicit drug offences in three years.

He stated this when the Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, the duo have also arrested over 52, 000 in three years.

“We have made, in three years, over 52,000 arrests. We have made seizures of over 8,000 tons of illicit substances and convictions in excess of 9,000. That’s a very significant success in court. Given the volume of traffic of travellers between the UK and Nigeria, there is a need for sharing of intelligence and actionable data further collaboration in that respect will further strengthen our relationship. So, I’m excited that we’re signing a new MoU here today.”

While speaking earlier, Pullen noted that the UK’s collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is yielding positive results, as evidenced by the streak of successes being recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent times.

While thanking Marwa for “excellent cooperation”, Pullen said “the issue of drug trafficking is a huge global issue, and like many big challenges such as drug trafficking, it takes a huge global effort to try and counter that. I think it’s evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities that your teams are finding that that cooperation is working exceptionally well currently, and we are currently really enjoying working with your team on those successes.”

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According to her, “the willingness of your teams to work with us and do things differently and try things differently, which fortunately is leading to those successes, and we like the way that you’ve worked with the UK and the levels of engagement that we’ve enjoyed with the teams.” She said the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters built and donated by the UK government in Lagos last week was a significant marker in the cooperation between the Agency and HOIO.

“We look forward to seeing the results of that level of investment that will bring significant benefits to you in Nigeria by being able to stop those drugs from permeating your own society, and also in the global space because the more that we help you to interdict and take out of the system here, the less that’s going into countries around the world and into society.

“Our team has got nothing but very, very positive things to say about the relationship that we have with you and your teams, and we very much look forward to the future and building on those and making them a lot better”, she added.

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to curb the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, especially with the building and donation of a Marine Headquarters facility to the agency last week, and a similar operational facility at the MMIA Command in Ikeja Lagos last year.

“I am most delighted to meet Ms Victoria Pullen in person, as it gives me the opportunity to express profound gratitude on behalf of myself, the agency and the country for the tremendous assistance, both tangible and intangible, that we have received from the Home Office International Operations (HOIO), in particular, and the British Government in general.

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“Just last week, we commissioned the Marine Command Headquarters of NDLEA, built from scratch and donated by the Home Office International Operations. We have also received in the past a new CITF facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, also from the Home Office International Operations. These are in addition to others like training and intelligence that are vital to our counter-narcotics operations.

“Since we kicked off the reform of NDLEA three years ago, we have enjoyed an increasing partnership with the Home Office International Operations. Among our international partners the Home Office International Operations is one of our major partners whose contributions immeasurably enhance the capacity of NDLEA and invariably impact our performance positively”, he stated.

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Stop misleading public —Zamfara APC Supporters Warns Jaji

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Supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have issued a stern warning to Aminu Sani Jaji, the member of parliament representing Kaura/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, accusing him of misleading the public and betraying the party’s values.

The group has called on Jaji to cease associating himself with the APC, claiming his actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the party and its leadership.

In a statement released on Sunday, Muhammad kabir Birnin Magaji, chairman of the APC supporters’ group, lambasted Jaji for what he described as “anti-party activities” that led to his suspension from the APC.

“We have repeatedly warned him to stop linking himself with the party, as his actions and utterances do not reflect the values of the APC,” kabir said.

“His continuous attempts to associate with us are deceptive and unacceptable.”

The supporters dismissed Jaji’s criticisms of Matawalle as baseless, asserting that the lawmaker owes much of his political career to the influence of Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Kabir highlighted a specific point of contention: Jaji’s apparent frustration over the distribution of seven trucks of rice donated by President Bola Tinubu during Ramadan, which Matawalle oversaw.

“The minister launched the distribution, and genuine APC members witnessed it being shared peacefully across the state,” he said.

“Why is Jaji so pained about this? He is not the only lawmaker in the party from Zamfara—there are senators and other representatives ahead of him.”

The chairman went further, noting that Matawalle has personally funded the distribution of over 50 trucks of rice,
distributed sum of one billion naira to the party’s stakeholders,too
and 100 cows to APC supporters in Zamfara during this Sallah celebrations.

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“Why is Jaji concerned about this if he is not working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?” kabir questioned.

The APC supporters accused Jaji of aligning himself with PDP Governor Lawal Dare to destabilise the APC in Zamfara.

Kabir, said Jaji held meetings with PDP members during Ramadan, but there’s no evidence he distributed anything—not even to them,” kabir added.

Jaji’s conduct, the group argued, exposes him as a “two-faced and unprincipled figure” more interested in personal gain than party loyalty.

The group pointed to his ongoing antagonism towards Zamfara APC Chairman Tukur Danfulani and his alleged attempts to tarnish the reputations of Matawalle and Yari—two of the state’s most influential political heavyweights—as evidence of his disloyalty.“

It is absurd for Jaji to compare himself to Matawalle, whose leadership and political experience far surpass anything Jaji has achieved,” kabir said.

“His hypocrisy in parading himself as an APC member while secretly working with the opposition to sabotage us is disgraceful.”

The supporters urged Jaji to leave the APC and test his political relevance independently.

“Jaji’s politics is based on eye service. Whenever he comes to Abuja, he acts like a big man, but in Zamfara State, he is a nobody. If he thinks he is popular, he should join another party and test his popularity.

“The APC in Zamfara has no room for treachery and disloyalty—his charade must end now.

“If he truly believes he is significant, let him join another party and see if he can secure re-election without the support of Matawalle, Yari, and their loyal followers,” Kabir challenged.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Unity, Prayers Key to Security – Matawalle

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As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

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He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”

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I nearly quit 2023 presidential race, says Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu said he nearly quit the 2023 presidential race.

The President said this at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night,

President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development, and appreciated Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.

Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it,’” said Tinubu.

The President stated that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

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“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.

President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time.

“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history will remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face.

“But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.

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Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.

Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.

He said under Tinubu’s watch, governors were getting more allocation.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.

Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.

He noted that the President had taken a backseat to raising leaders for decades.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment.

“Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.

“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.

Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.

“Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.

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The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.

Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.

“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children.

“While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.

“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth.

“I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said. (NAN)

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