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Historic Moment: FG Commissions NDLEA Barracks in Yola After 35 Years

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For the first time in 35 years, the Federal Government has commissioned a barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa State, providing office and residential accommodation for the anti-narcotics agency’s personnel.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while commissioning the facility on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, described it as a milestone investment in human capital, emphasizing the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring NDLEA officers live and work in dignity and security.

Fagbemi highlighted the critical role of the NDLEA in safeguarding Nigeria’s future by combating drug abuse and trafficking.

“The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. This barracks is more than a place of residence—it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope,” he stated.

He urged NDLEA personnel to see the investment as a call to higher responsibility, emphasizing that the rule of law requires equipping law enforcement officers with the resources they need to succeed.

“I urge officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their service to our motherland. This investment is a call to unwavering dedication and commitment,” Fagbemi added.

He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring its completion, while also appreciating Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their support.

In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), underscored the importance of the project, noting that insecure housing had exposed NDLEA personnel to danger for decades.

“Tragically, several of our personnel have been trailed to their homes and murdered. This barracks is a long-overdue and crucial step to ensure their safety,” Marwa said.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting the NDLEA mandate, emphasizing that the state-of-the-art barracks reflects the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda of enhancing security and institutional capacity.

The Yola barracks, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, includes: Modern administrative offices for the Adamawa State Command, Detention facilities and a state-of-the-art exhibit room and Watchtowers and operational pavilions.

260 residential units, including 80 one-bedroom, 120 two-bedroom, and 60 three-bedroom flats

Auxiliary facilities, including a generator house, parade ground, service bay, and perimeter fencing

“This facility is a bold statement of our determination to win the fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” Marwa asserted.

In his message, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended the federal government for prioritizing NDLEA personnel’s welfare, describing the barracks as a symbol of collective resolve to protect youth from the scourge of illicit drugs.

Representing the National Security Adviser, AIG Rex Dundun praised NDLEA’s efforts and urged personnel to maintain professionalism and resilience.

“This facility reflects the government’s appreciation of your dedication to safeguarding our nation’s health and safety,” Dundun noted.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, emphasized that adequate motivation for NDLEA personnel is essential for effective service delivery.

The House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, represented by Hon. Idris Dankawu, reaffirmed their commitment to better funding and improving working conditions for the NDLEA.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including: Boss Mustapha – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Francis Fadahunsi – National Assembly member from Adamawa State, and Traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.

The commissioning marks a historic step in strengthening the NDLEA’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and protect officers tasked with securing a safer and drug-free Nigeria.

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Transfer: Real Madrid , Cucurella Reach Verbal Agreement 

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Chelsea reliable defender, Marc Cucurella may join Spanish giant, Real Madrid before the end of the current transfer window.if information from transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano are anything to go by.

 

Romano In a latest transfer update, said Real Madrid has reached verbal agreement to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.

“Verbal agreement in place between all parties, player too — he’s the left back wanted by Mourinho” the update read.

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Hakimi, Vinicius Barred From Speaking Spanish At World Cup

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FIFA has come under scrutiny after several high-profile players, including Achraf Hakimi and Vinicius Junior, were discouraged from speaking Spanish during media engagements at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

 

The issue first surfaced ahead of Morocco’s Group C clash with Brazil when a Spanish-speaking journalist attempted to question Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi in Spanish.

Despite Hakimi, who grew up in Madrid and speaks the language fluently, indicating he was comfortable answering in Spanish, event officials reportedly insisted that questions be asked in English.

Hakimi attempted to reassure organizers that language would not be a barrier, but officials maintained that no Spanish translator was available for the session. A compromise was eventually reached, with the reporter asking the question in Spanish while Hakimi responded in English.

The controversy intensified during Brazil’s media session when Vinicius Junior was also interrupted while responding to a question in Spanish.

The Real Madrid forward, who is more comfortable speaking Portuguese or Spanish than English, was reportedly asked by organizers to switch languages.

Rather than continue in Spanish, Vinicius opted to answer in Portuguese before turning his attention back to Brazil’s World Cup preparations.

The incidents sparked widespread debate among journalists and fans, many of whom questioned why Spanish—a language spoken by millions across North America—was effectively restricted at a tournament being hosted largely in the United States.

According to Spanish media outlet El País, FIFA only provides Spanish-language translation services at World Cup press conferences involving Spanish-speaking nations such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

For all other teams, questions and answers are expected to be conducted either in English or the official language of the participating country.

The policy has generated criticism online, with many supporters arguing that multilingual communication should be encouraged at a global event like the World Cup.

The backlash was particularly strong in Vinicius’ case, as the Brazilian forward appeared visibly uncomfortable being asked to communicate in English.

The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a highly anticipated encounter between Brazil and Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

With the issue now drawing international attention, FIFA may face increasing calls to review its media language guidelines as the tournament progresses.

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It’s Illegal’…Falana’s Bombshell Indicts Govs, FG.

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Human rights advocate, Femi Falana, has warned federal and state governments against negotiating with and rewarding terrorists.

 

According to Falana, the practice is illegal.

He stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting in Abuja on June 13, 2026.

Falana claimed it is public knowledge officials of the Federal Government and some State Governments have been holding meetings and negotiating with terrorists and bandits, which has led to thousands of ‘repentant’ criminals being forgiven and given cash gifts of undisclosed sums of money.

Asserting that the “satanic Boko Haram sect and similar bodies have been proscribed” under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Falana insisted that “their members and allies shall be prosecuted and not pampered and forgiven by the Nigerian State.”

Highlighting the legal consequences, he quoted Section 22 of the Act, stating: “A person who knowingly—(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”

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