CRIME
We’re Deploying Technology to Tackle Security Threats, Buhari Tells S/West Monarchs
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja assured traditional rulers from the South West geopolitical zone that his administration was doing everything possible to tackle security challenges in the country.
Responding to an address by the Obas led by the Ooni of Ife , Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi during a courtesy visit to the State House, the President said:
“Working with the State governments we intend to beef up the equipping of the police force with advanced technology and equipment that can facilitate the work of the security agencies.
”The President disclosed that he “will be issuing directives to the appropriate federal authorities to speedily approve licensing for States requesting the use of drones to monitor forests and other criminal hideouts,” adding that, “We also intend to install CCTVs on highways and other strategic locations so that activities in some of those hidden places can be exposed, more effectively monitored and open to actionable review.
”He spoke further:
“This administration will continue to do everything necessary to protect the lives of all Nigerians and ensure that every Nigerian in every state is safe, and that our people can live in peace and harmony, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region. As a government, we remain committed to the ideals of our democracy, particularly entrenching the rule of law and the sanctity of life.”
He also assured the royal fathers “and the entire nation that we will enforce the law, prosecute law breakers and secure an atmosphere of tranquility for all Nigerians whereever they choose to live and also protect our communities from all forms of crimes. This is both in our interests as an administration and the interests of the people who voted us into office.
“We need security to deliver on our many programmes to the people. There can be no prosperity if there is no security.
“This is not only a message of hope but a call to action to all of us as we seek ways to secure our country.
“On our part, as the Federal Government, we are ready to deal decisively with anyone that is fomenting this spate of criminal activities by every means necessary. We intend to deal severely with those evil Nigerians inciting violence for political ends.”
While acknowledging the presence of significant security challenges in the South West and other parts of the country, President Buhari said such understanding informed the ongoing consultations embarked by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo with some traditional rulers “so that together we can proffer solutions to the lingering security problems in the South-West and other parts of the country.”
According to the President, “These consultations are important because traditional rulers form a critical part of governance structures, especially in their respective communities, where they feel the pulse of the people being the closest to the populace at the grassroots level.
“As a government, at all times, we need your active collaboration as we continue to deal with crimes of kidnapping, banditry and other forms of unlawful and criminal attacks resulting in needless deaths and causing fear among our people.”
“There are some who might want to cause instability and difficulties, but we are very confident that God willing and working together as a nation, we will be able to overcome such difficulties and all our problems, and set our country on the path of peace and prosperity,” he stated.
Drawing attention to the fact that “the dynamics for safeguarding security keep changing,” President Buhari noted that “we must adapt our strategies to these challenges as well as adopt modern, technological and people-centred methods in achieving these goals.”
According to the President, “When Nigerians voted massively for us in 2015, we focused on three areas – security, economy and fighting corruption. We have not relented on this promise and we will not.”
Going forward, he declared: “Let me be very clear about our firm resolve to change the security architecture of Nigeria. It is one of the top priorities for this government but we won’t be able to achieve this goal without the support and input of you, our royal fathers.
“As the traditional authorities in your communities, government and the security agencies will be relying on you to monitor the several different communities and people coming in and out of your areas.
“We hope that, for instance, traditional rulers would be able to observe new entrants into the community by requesting leaders of such ethnic groups to notify the traditional authorities of new intakes, thereby creating the opportunities for the gathering of actionable intelligence which tracks such movements in and out of communities thereby offering early warning signals.”
Outlining some of these interventions, President Buhari said they “include an expedited commencement of community policing, a robust revamping of police intelligence gathering capacity and the significant boosting of the numbers of security personnel in our local communities. This in specific terms will include recruiting a lot more police officers and doing so right from their local government areas, where they would then be stationed in the best practice of community policing.”
According to him, “We will equally continue to bring in our military when needed to complement the work of the police including possible deployment of troops on certain highways on a temporary basis, and the use of the Air Force assets to bomb hideouts where criminals are located.”
Admitting that these measures are inter-related and have to be well coordinated, he stressed that, “The speedy implementation of community policing will facilitate a more effective collection of intelligence. This is especially in the area of a more useful and effective intelligence gathering process that traditional rulers will play some of the most critical roles.”
Earlier, the Ooni, as well as other traditional rulers with him, had individually apprised the President with security challenges they were facing in their domain and called on the President to support their efforts in addressing the issues.
By Elijah Oguche
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested no fewer than 77,792 drug offenders and seized about 14,847 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the last five years.
Marwa disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the NDLEA Commands, Awards and Commendations Ceremony, where outstanding commands and personnel of the agency were honoured for their performance over the past year.
According to him, the seizures significantly disrupted local and transnational drug trafficking networks, sending a clear message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug enterprises.
He said the agency also arrested 128 identified drug barons who played central roles in major trafficking operations across the country, noting that the successes were the result of deliberate reforms aimed at repositioning the NDLEA for effective service delivery.
Marwa explained that over the period under review, the agency secured 14,225 convictions, strengthening deterrence and reinforcing the consequences of drug-related crimes.
He said, “It is therefore heartwarming to note that in the last five years, we recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, including 128 identified drug barons who were central to major trafficking networks.
“We seized a total of 14,847,000 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, thereby significantly disrupting both local and transnational supply chains.
“In further strengthening the criminal justice response to drug offences, the agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 14,225 offenders, reinforcing deterrence and affirming that drug crime attracts consequences.”
Beyond enforcement, he said the NDLEA intensified efforts at drug demand reduction, revealing that 32,442 drug users benefited from counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes nationwide.
He added that the agency conducted 13,735 sensitisation activities under its War Against Drug Abuse campaign across schools, markets, motor parks, workplaces, worship centres and communities to curb substance abuse and promote preventive awareness.
Marwa attributed the achievements to improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, capacity building and enhanced welfare for officers and men of the agency, as well as sustained motivation through internal reward mechanisms.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for extending his tenure for another five years, describing the decision as a call for greater commitment in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
The NDLEA boss assured Nigerians that the agency would intensify its operations in the new tenure, vowing that there would be no respite for drug barons, traffickers and couriers, regardless of how long it takes to bring them to justice.
He said, “As we celebrate, we must recognise that the goldfish has no hiding place. The next phase of our operations demands even more grit and more tactical sophistication.
“We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars, every trafficker is intercepted, every mule is caught, and every single gram of illicit drug is removed from our streets.
“There is no room for complacency. We must remain proactive, intelligence-led, and ruthless in our pursuit of those who seek to destroy our youth and national security. Let me be clear, the objective of this agency remains the total disruption of drug trafficking and the protection of our communities.
“The expectation is sustained pressure until every drug baron, trafficker, courier, and every gram of illicit drugs is taken out of our streets and communities.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and national security, stressing that the ultimate objective remains the total disruption of drug trafficking and the creation of a safer, drug-free Nigeria.
Marwa was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA in 2021, after which the agency adopted intelligence-led operations, strengthened inter-agency and international collaboration, and prioritised staff welfare and accountability.
In 2025, President Bola Tinubu approved the extension of his appointment for another five-year term.
Speaking at the event, Marwa pledged to intensify the crackdown on drug trafficking networks and scale up efforts to curb drug abuse nationwide.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Idris Nasiru, for allegedly operating an illegal clinic in Ore, Ondo State.
The arrest, which took place on January 14, 2026, followed what the police described as “another significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against medical quackery”.
In a Sunday statement signed by the Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by its surveillance team.
“The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by Command’s Surveillance Team, during which the suspect, Idris Nasiru (male), aged 25 years, was apprehended,” the statement read.
According to Jimoh, a search of the suspect’s shop led to the recovery of several medical items.
“A search of his shop led to the recovery of various medical items, including packs of injection needles, medical drips, bandages, and assorted medical kits,” the statement said.
The statement added that a further search of the suspect’s residence was conducted with a duly signed warrant.
“Subsequently, a thorough search of his residence was conducted with a duly signed search warrant, during which used injection bottles, needles, and syringes were also recovered,” the command stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was not a registered medical practitioner.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is not a registered medical practitioner, confirming that the clinic was being operated illegally,” the statement said.
The command noted that the suspect had made statements to investigators and would be charged to court.
“He has since made useful statements while in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police said.
Commending the operatives involved, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, emphasised the role of intelligence-led policing.
He emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing in disrupting criminal activities and reassured residents of the command’s “unwavering resolve to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State”.
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his “strategic leadership and continuous support through reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety and addressing medical-related crimes”.
The command urged members of the public to cooperate with the police.
“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to continue cooperating with the Police by providing credible and actionable information that will assist in combating crime and criminality across the State,” the statement said.
The spokesperson also advised residents to be cautious when seeking medical services.
“The Command further advises residents of Ondo State to exercise caution when seeking medical services and to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to medical quacks,” Jimoh added.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested an 80-year-old grandpa for returning to the criminal trade.
The Octogenarian reverted to trafficking barely three years after he was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs.
The Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Babafemi said that the suspect was notorious for illicit drug business, saying, “He was first arrested by NDLEA on Dec.
14, 2022, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.“Not ready to let go of the old habit, the suspect returned to the illicit drug trade.
“Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, Jan. 10, tracked the Octogenarian ex-convict to his Mmanta – Abak village, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
“This was where he was arrested with 5.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis in his residence.”
In another successful interdiction operation in Akwa Ibom, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Oron-Ibaka road in Oron LGA on Friday, Jan. 9, intercepted a 37-year-old businessman.
Babafemi said that the arrest was made while the suspect was travelling with full body mannequins for his clothing business in Cameroon.
The director said that a search of the mannequins revealed that they were stuffed with pills of tramadol weighing 5.3 kilogrammes.
He added that the suspect claimed that he resided in Cameroon and was reportedly returning to his base after the Christmas and New Year holidays when he was apprehended.
“It was revealed that he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra, and was trafficking them to Cameroun to sell, using two mannequins to conceal the opioids,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Oyo, raids across different locations led to the seizure of dangerous illicit drugs and arrest of notorious dealers, including a 45-year-old suspected drug trafficker at Sasa, Ibadan.
Babafemi said that a total of 10.696 kilogrammes of Colorado, Scottish Loud, Ghana Loud, Canadian Loud and skunk, all strains of cannabis were recovered from him.
“At the time of his arrest on Thursday, Jan. 8, two vehicles: Toyota Venza and Toyota Yaris marked HG 06 LYD were also recovered from him.
“Also, at Adegbayi area of the state capital, Ibadan, NDLEA officers on Friday, Jan. 9, apprehended a suspect with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud and skunk.
“Similarly, another suspected drug trafficker was nabbed at Ring road, Ibadan with 1.264kg Colorado, Scottish Loud and skunk.
“Not less than N1.3 million cash exhibit was also recovered from him at the point of his arrest on Saturday, Jan. 10,” he maintained.
In another development, a dispatch rider and two other suspects were on Friday, Jan. 9, arrested at Ihama/Airport road GRA, Benin City, Edo, in connection with the seizure of 118 grammes of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado.
Babafemi said that while a suspected drug trafficker was arrested at Irrua with 17.552kg Colorado, Loud and skunk, another suspect was nabbed at Ubiaja with 930 grammes of skunk on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
In Niger, no fewer than 4,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from a suspect at Dakwa town in Tafa LGA.
Babafemi said that another suspect was nabbed with 100 blocks of skunk weighing 47kg Lankaviri, Yorro LGA of Taraba, on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
“Similarly, not less than 30,950 capsules of tramadol were recovered from the home of a suspect in Bachure area of Yola South LGA of Adamawa, following his arrest at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
“With the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities among others in the past week.
“These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Government Day Science and Technical College, Babura, Jigawa; Abu Ayubal Ansari Islamiyya School.
“Also included were Layin Indo Mai Tuwan Tara, Fagge LGA, Kano; and youths of Oshituma Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo, Ebonyi state, among others,” he said.
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