NEWS
NDLEA Boss Assures U.S. of Eradication of Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA) has assured the U.S. government of eradication of criminals and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said this when he received the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Leonard in his office on Thursday in Abuja.
Marwa appreciated the U.
S. government for its support to NDLEA over the years, noting that they had been supportive in terms of training and equipment.He noted that the support had tremendously assisted the agency in moving forward, saying that the agency would now move faster with more help.
According to him, the most important thing is to give your excellency the assurances that in my leadership in this institution, we will be hard against criminals.
“We will be committed and be serious to rid this country from both the importation and exportation of illicit drugs as well as cultivation, manufacturing and processing of the same within the country.
“We will do our very best and also use the opportunity to again seek for your continued support without which it would be harder for us.
“We hope we will continue to see more cooperation between us and our partners,” he said.
Ms Mary Leonard congratulated the chairman on his appointment, assuring him that the agency would get the neccessary support.
“As you have mentioned, we have a long history of cooperation between drug enforcement agency and the state department.
“The U.S. have always help Nigeria in sharing important interest in peace and security in the country.
“We will continue to partner in training and ensuring adequate logistics operations to help the agency to achieve its aims and objectives in ensuring peace and security in Nigeria.
Mary Leonard was the former U.S. Representative to the African Union who has, previously, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mali from 2011 to 2014.(NAN)
Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)