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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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NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

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Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

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The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

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Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

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Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

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