Category: PM News

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has attributed the arrest of 77,859 drug suspects, including 240 high-profile barons, to its shift from reactive enforcement to sustained offensive operations.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, said the arrests were recorded between January 2021 and December 2025.

During the five-year period, the agency also seized more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs and secured 14,122 convictions.

Marwa disclosed the figures on Tuesday in Dutse, Jigawa State, during the signing of two executive orders by Governor Umar Namadi to combat drug abuse and promote societal reorientation.

‘Between January 2021 and December 2025, our balanced approach has yielded unprecedented results with 77,859 arrests, including 240 high-profile drug barons who thought they were untouchable,’ he said.

‘Over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances were intercepted while 14,122 convictions were secured within the period, proving that the era of impunity is over.’

Marwa added that more than 50,000 people had received counselling and rehabilitation across the agency’s 31 treatment centres nationwide.

‘In the same vein, over 50,000 individuals have been counselled and rehabilitated across 31 of our treatment centres nationwide, moving from the darkness of dependence to the light of productivity,’ he stated.

The NDLEA chairman warned that drug abuse remained a major threat to Nigeria’s young population, national security and economic development.

‘Let us be clear, drug abuse is the silent pandemic fuelling the insecurity and economic sabotage we face today. It erodes the productivity of our greatest asset, our youth,’ he said.

He noted that the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse initiative had reached more than five million Nigerians with drug-prevention messages.

‘Through our War Against Drug Abuse initiative, we haven’t just cleared the streets, we have cleared minds,’ Marwa said.

He commended the Jigawa State Government for establishing a task force against drug abuse, describing the initiative as a model other states should emulate.

‘Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Umar Namadi, Jigawa is proving that proactive governance is the best antidote to social malaise,’ he said.

‘I call upon other state governments across the federation to look towards Dutse today and emulate this strategic blueprint for domesticating the war against drug abuse.’

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says a nationwide mop-up exercise to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from circulation has started.

The agency in a statement on Wednesday said the enforcement reinforced the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation and sale of sachet alcohol in the country.

According to it, the nationwide enforcement operation is holding in the six geopolitical zones and follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found to have violated the ban.

NAFDAC said its enforcement teams were conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy affected products.

It advised manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to voluntarily surrender any remaining stock of the banned alcoholic beverages.

It also warned that continued possession or sale of the affected products would attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.

‘The enforcement operations across the country will not be a one-off operation but part of a sustained enforcement and public education campaign.

‘This campaign is aimed at ridding Nigeria of harmful alcohol products, protecting children and adolescents, and promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults,’ it said.

It stated further said that the nationwide exercise underscored its commitment to protecting public health by reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.

The agency clarified that the enforcement was not directed at compliant manufacturers operating within approved pack-size thresholds.

It said the exercise was targeted at eliminating products that pose significant public health risks.

NAFDAC called on Nigerians to support the exercise by reporting anyone producing, stocking or selling the banned sachet and below-200ml PET-bottle alcoholic beverages.

The agency also urged the public to avoid patronising the banned products, describing them as unregistered, unsafe and illegal.

It further appealed to Nigerians to work collectively to safeguard communities and future generations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse, thuggery and other related crimes in Kano.

He also signed an Executive Order aimed at curbing thuggery and related criminal activities across the state.

This was contained in a Statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Governor Yusuf described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting Kano’s youthful population, warning that the menace fuels violent crimes, destroys families, weakens the economy, and undermines social stability.

He said the newly inaugurated Task Force would coordinate the state’s response to drug abuse through intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Task Force with adequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation, logistics, and security backing, while guaranteeing its operational independence to enable it discharge its mandate effectively.

Governor Yusuf also reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding rehabilitation facilities for victims of drug abuse, noting that the government has already established separate rehabilitation centres for male and female patients and would continue to strengthen support for their recovery and reintegration into society.

He explained that the Executive Order against thuggery would provide a stronger legal framework for dismantling criminal gangs, curbing political violence, and complementing the efforts of security agencies in maintaining law and order across Kano State.

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Task Force, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, thanked Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee.

He assured the Governor and the people of Kano that the Task Force would carry out its assignment with integrity, professionalism, and without compromise.

Barr. Muhuyi said members of the Task Force fully understand the enormity of their responsibility and would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and community leaders to combat drug abuse and promote lasting peace across the state.

He described the establishment of the Task Force as a demonstration of Governor Yusuf’s determination to safeguard the future of Kano’s youth and strengthen public safety.

Governor Yusuf called on residents to support the Task Force by providing credible information and cooperating with security agencies, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and thuggery requires the collective efforts of government and the public.

He expressed confidence that the combined implementation of the Executive Order and the activities of the Multi-Agency Task Force would significantly reduce drug-related crimes and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Kano State.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed joy and pride following the graduation of his daughter, Omolola Adeleke, from Adeleke University.

Omolola recently completed her studies and earned a degree in Mass Communication, a milestone that her father described as a remarkable achievement.

The governor shared the good news in a post on his X account, where he congratulated his daughter and reflected on her academic journey.

According to Adeleke, Omolola’s success is the result of years of hard work, dedication, discipline, and resilience.

He said watching her grow into a responsible and accomplished young woman has been a source of great happiness for him and the entire family.

The governor noted that education remains one of the most important tools for personal growth and national development.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge, skills, and values his daughter acquired during her time at the university would help her contribute positively to society and excel in her chosen career.

In his message, Adeleke thanked God for granting his daughter the strength and opportunity to successfully complete her studies.

He also praised her determination and commitment to achieving her goals despite the challenges that often come with university education.

The governor encouraged Omolola to remain focused and continue to uphold the virtues of integrity, excellence, humility, and compassion as she moves into a new phase of life. He advised her to use her education to impact lives and make meaningful contributions to her community and the country.

Adeleke further offered prayers for her future, asking God to guide her path, grant her wisdom, and open doors of greater opportunities and achievements. He expressed hope that her graduation would mark the beginning of many more successes.

The governor concluded by congratulating his daughter on the accomplishment, stating that the entire Adeleke family was proud of her and excited about the bright future that lies ahead.

The graduation celebration has since attracted congratulatory messages from supporters, friends, and well-wishers who joined the family in celebrating the milestone.

No fewer than 56 serving councillors in Anambra have filed a suit before the state High Court in Awka, challenging the constitutional validity of the two -year tenure of Local Government officials.

The Anambra House of Assembly had earlier passed the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2024, fixing the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen and Councillors at two years.

But in suit, marked A/261/2026, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the system of local government guaranteed under Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, envisaged a secure, stable and reasonable tenure capable of promoting effective grassroots governance.

The suit has the Attorney General of the state, state House of Assembly and the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) as first, second and third defendants, respectively.

Thee Amabra councillors contended that the provision did not permit the arbitrary truncation of the tenure of elected local government officials by state actors.

The plaintiffs are also seeking a declaration that Section 110(A) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2024 is unconstitutional, null and void.

They said the section, which limited the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Ward Councillors to two years, was inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the Constitution.

The plaintiffs further prayed the court to strike down and expunge Section 110(A) from the laws of Anambra State, contending that it was inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The councillors are equally seeking an order, declaring that all democratically elected local government officials are entitled to a uniform tenure of four years in line with the tenure of elected officials at the federal and state levels.

They also asked the court to grant perpetual injunctions restraining the defendants from dissolving or interfering with their tenure after two years.

They urged the court to restrain ANSIEC from conducting any election to replace them until the expiration of what they described as their full four-year tenure.

The suit was filed barely one month before the scheduled local government election in the state on Aug. 29.

Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has rejected a new account claiming that former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died during sexual intercourse.

Sani described the account by retired Department of State Services officer Dennis Amachree as misleading and unsupported by convincing evidence.

‘The claim on circumstances surrounding Abacha’s death is misleading,’ Sani wrote on X.

‘The author couldn’t provide any convincing evidence other than literary narrative. It should be ignored.’

Amachree, a former DSS Assistant Director, claimed that Abacha suffered cardiac arrest during an intimate encounter with a woman at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He made the claim in his newly released memoir, ‘DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield.’

According to Amachree, the incident occurred at about 4:05 a.m. on June 8, 1998.

The retired intelligence officer said his account was based on the interrogation of the woman allegedly present when Abacha became unresponsive.

Amachree claimed the woman was traced to Ogudu, Lagos, and brought to his office for questioning shortly after Abacha’s death.

He quoted her as saying: ‘I did not kill him; he died on top of me.’

Amachree, who was Assistant Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Lagos Command when Abacha died, maintained that the woman’s account explained the former ruler’s final moments.

Sani, however, insisted that the account amounted to a literary narrative without compelling evidence and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

Eighty female students of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, have received practical lessons on menstrual hygiene management and personal care during an outreach organised by Street Aid Africa Foundation (SAAF).

The one-hour programme was designed to equip adolescent girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage menstruation safely while promoting healthy hygiene habits and personal development.

During the interactive session, facilitators educated the students on the importance of good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, oral care, bathing, and maintaining clean clothes, hair, and nails.

The students were also taught that menstruation is a normal part of adolescence and received practical guidance on the proper use of sanitary pads, the importance of changing them regularly, maintaining hygiene during their menstrual periods, and the safe disposal of used sanitary products. A practical demonstration on sanitary pad disposal formed part of the session.

To make the lessons more engaging, participants were introduced to the Siisii Red Period Song, an educational initiative that uses music to promote menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls.

Beyond menstrual health, the outreach provided an opportunity for students to ask questions about self-esteem, personal development, decision-making, and future aspirations, creating an open environment for learning and mentorship.

To support the awareness campaign, Street Aid Africa Foundation distributed 90 hygiene packages containing essential menstrual and personal hygiene items to students and female teachers.

Founded by Nancy Ogbue, Street Aid Africa Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children through education, mentorship, advocacy, health awareness, and community-based interventions. The foundation has continued to implement programmes aimed at supporting children and young people with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

The menstrual hygiene outreach is one of the foundation’s ongoing initiatives to promote adolescent health, encourage healthy hygiene practices, and empower girls to stay confident and focused on their education.

The Nigerian Navy has handed over two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following earlier rescue.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the handover was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY, on July 19 at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja.

The director of naval information said that the handover followed the victims’ rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17.

According to him, in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling of victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk.

‘They underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other necessary administrative procedures before being formally transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation. The successful rescue and seamless handover underscore the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable persons. It also reflects the service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture,’ he stated.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, disrupting criminal syndicates, and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Announcing the appointment, Akande said the process of selecting a new vice-chancellor commenced in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent vice-chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He explained that advertisements inviting applications for the position were published in three national newspapers in April 2026, attracting six applications from qualified candidates.

According to him, the governing council subsequently constituted a search team, as required by law, to identify other suitably qualified academics who had not initially applied for the position. The exercise yielded two additional applications, bringing the total number of candidates to eight.

Akande disclosed that the council met with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, for a rigorous assessment during which members independently evaluated and scored each candidate in accordance with approved guidelines.

He said the exercise produced five candidates who were shortlisted in order of merit for the final stage of the selection process.

Akande further explained that the Governing Council appointed two of its members to serve on the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, while the University Senate had earlier elected two representatives to participate in the exercise.

He noted that the selection board interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before recommending Professor Olapegba as the most suitable candidate for the office of vice-chancellor.

Describing the selection process as ‘thorough, transparent and highly competitive’, Akande said the Governing Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Selection Board.

‘It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success in his tenure,’ Akande said.

Professor Olapegba, who currently serves as the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (administration) and is a professor in the Department of Psychology, will succeed the incumbent vice-chancellor, whose tenure expires on November 1, 2026.

His appointment makes him the 14th substantive vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university following a competitive selection process conducted in accordance with the university’s statutory provisions.

Senator Ali Ndume has alleged that Samaila Kaigame attempted to involve him in raising a ?5 billion ransom purportedly demanded by Boko Haram for abducted victims.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him and pressured him to contribute towards securing the victims’ release.

Kaigame is the purported leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance.

Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume said he became suspicious when Kaigame moved beyond reporting the ransom demand and began asking him to contribute money.

‘Kaigame demanded ransom, calling me to say Boko Haram was asking for ?5 billion. He wanted to use me for the payment of ransom,’ Ndume said.

‘I began suspecting him when he demanded that I contribute towards the payment of ransom.’

The senator said Kaigame attempted to pressure him by claiming that his constituents were being held captive while he remained unwilling to contribute to their release.

Ndume said he responded by connecting Kaigame with security agencies and other relevant authorities.

He maintained that he had no knowledge of whether the government eventually paid any ransom but insisted that he opposed negotiations and payments to Boko Haram.

‘I cannot speak for the government if the ransom was paid or not. I do not and will never support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram,’ he said.

Ndume suggested that the controversy might be politically motivated, drawing parallels with allegations levelled against him in 2011 after someone claiming to be a Boko Haram member contacted him.

‘In 2011, it was alleged just because somebody who claimed to be a Boko Haram member called my number and I picked, they roped you into it,’ he said.

The lawmaker also questioned a video involving Kaigame, claiming it contained contradictions about his alleged communication with Boko Haram.

‘If you watch the video, you can find contradictions there from the beginning because this is somebody who is claiming that he has contact with Boko Haram,’ Ndume added.