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On Drug War, NDLEA Tightening The Noose On Drug Barons, Cartel, SAYS Marwa
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said that the bolstered capacity of the anti-narcotic body within the maritime space will further tighten the noose on drug barons and cartels with the volume of recent arrests and seizures of illicit substances on the waterways and seaports.
Marwa stated this in Lagos on Wednesday 16th October 2024 at the commissioning of NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters, a facility built and donated by the British Government.
In his words, “I have to express my profound appreciation to the British High Commission in Nigeria for believing in this project and considering it worthy of His Majesty’s investment. The timely delivery of this project and the high standard of the finished work speak volumes about the commitment of the British Government to support our efforts. Not quite long ago, a similar edifice, completed with state-of-the-art fittings, was handed over to NDLEA by the British Government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. There has also been a series of capacity-building initiatives and provisions of equipment by the Home Office International Operations, which have bolstered the capability of the Agency’s personnel and have enhanced phenomenal drug seizures and arrests. We deeply appreciate the effort of the British government and its institutions.
“According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, “over 80 per cent of the volume of international trade is carried by sea, and the percentage is even higher for developing countries.” This is equally true of illicit drug trade because maritime routes have long been exploited by drug traffickers due to the vast expanses of the open sea and the complexity of maritime laws and jurisdictions. The illicit drug trade via maritime channels poses severe threats, not only in terms of drug proliferation but also because of its links to organised crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
“Recent records from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that West Africa remains an important transit region for narcotics, mostly emanating from South America. We have had at least four trafficking cases in the last two years involving merchant ships (aside from cases of drugs concealed in cargo containers) from South America to Nigeria. The cases are evidence that the maritime corridor provides mobility for illicit trafficking activity.”
He said the recent operational successes recorded by the NDLEA on the waterways and seaports justified his decision to upgrade the marine unit of the Agency to a full-fledged command in 2022.
“We did not make a mistake when, in 2022, we upgraded the Marine Unit to a full-fledged command. Our balance sheet of arrests and seizures of drugs within the maritime space has maintained an upward swing. The collaboration of the Agency’s Marine Command with other maritime law enforcement agencies has resulted in the interception of 61,688.79 kg of varying drugs and the arrest of 41 suspects, 15 of whom are already prosecuted and jailed. Through our various port operations in the last three years, the Agency has seized at least 750 tons of illicit drugs ranging from cocaine to codeine, tramadol, methamphetamine and Loud, to mention a few”, he stated.
While calling for continuous collaboration among various security agencies operating within the maritime space, the NDLEA boss said “the operation of our Special Marine Squad on the waterways of Lagos has shown the increasing complexity of maritime drug trafficking. Aside from merchant ships, personal vessels, including luxury yachts, modified pump boats, and fishing trawlers, are also being employed in this growing drug trade. Countering this threat requires intense coastal monitoring and collaboration among security agencies to track, search and profile the various vessels on our waterways, as it is the case now”, he added.
While expressing joy that the Marine Command Headquarters facility that started as an idea has crystallised into a physical structure being commissioned, Marwa appreciated all stakeholders that made the project a reality.
“Permit me to express my profound appreciation to the Executive Governor, Lagos State for his inestimable goodwill, which has created a conducive operating environment for all our commands. My appreciation equally goes to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for synergising with NDLEA. The synergy between them and NDLEA is instrumental to our streak of success within the maritime space. The Nigeria Ports Authority and the Nigeria Maritime Security and Safety Agency have been very helpful. My appreciation equally goes to the Managing Directors of Eko Atlantic and Satellite Oil and Gas for making space available for this command headquarters”, he added.
In his remark at the occasion, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter justified why the UK government is supporting the work of NDLEA. According to him, “it is also a delight to see such a wide range of people here at this event because from my perspective, that shows the level of commitment that we see from our Nigerian partners and colleagues to what is the really critical work carried out by the NDLEA in tackling drug trafficking. We in the UK support that work for a number of reasons. We’ve seen an increase in drug detections both in Nigeria and in the UK and so that shows us two things.
“Firstly, that there is a clear need for us to work together, to work collaboratively to tackle drug trafficking but it also shows that our efforts are paying dividends. We are jointly preventing more and more drugs crossing borders and we are disrupting more and more gangs and that is important for both our populations, both our countries but it’s mostly important actually for the people whose lives are disrupted by this crime but as we all know there is more work to do and it will definitely continue.”
Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, in his remark said “the NDLEA’s presence in Lagos has been pivotal in curbing the illegal drug trade. Your efforts have not only protected our citizens, but also enhanced the overall security and well-being of our state.”
“Today’s commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters, generously donated by the British government, marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against drug-related crimes. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships in tackling the global challenge of drug trafficking, especially in coastal areas like Lagos. I therefore, on behalf of our government and the good people of Lagos State, extend my sincere gratitude to the British government for this invaluable contribution, which will further bolster NDLEA’s capacity to more effectively patrol our waters and intercept illegal drug activities”, the governor added.
Kingdom Men Global Network aka KMEN has formally announced the programmes of the 13th edition of its flagship annual gathering for men, Mega Summit.
This year’s event will open on Thursday May 14 and end on Sunday May 17 with an all-men musical concert.
The 2026 edition of Mega Summit which will hold at the Presken Hotels on Alade Avenue opposite Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos has as theme: Legacy…Faith. Family. Community. And for the first time Mega Summit will host an award on the opening day in memory of foremost Nigerian diplomat and integrity personified and pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustee of KMEN, late Dr Christopher Kolade who died last year at the age of 92.
The KMEN-Christopher Kolade – Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood will be heralded by the Men in Leadership Summit (MiLEADS) with the sub-theme – Building a Culture of Leadership with Integrity. And will have as speakers Archbishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries., Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citadel Global Community Church, and renowned Pharmacist, entrepreneur and politician Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR.
Pastor Tunde Bakare
Day two will feature another special session for Men in Church Leadership (MiCLEADS) with the sub-theme: Leaving a Legacy of Faith/Discipling for the Next Generation, and will have as speakers Bishop Sunday Onadipe, Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Badagry, Apostle Eyinnaya Okwuonu, former Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter., Pastor Dominion Roberts from Liberia, and Rev Fr Matthew Ogunyase of the Catholic Mission, Lagos.
While day three will open with a Special Town Hall discussion on Family with the sub-theme – The Father’s Role in Shaping Legacy and is the only mixed gender panel for Mega Summit 2026 featuring foremost life change coach, Mrs. Yemisi Lagunju and Rev David Abraham, who is the managing director of Managing Business for Christ (MBFC).
On Saturday is a Special Town Hall on Resisting an Emerging Legacy of Addictions. This segment will feature a presentation by Dr Dokun Adedeji on the ravage of Drug Addictions, alongside Abiose Akolade Ladipo, Co-Founder of GamblePause, a Lagos-based NGO in the fight against Gambling Addictions.
Later in the afternoon on Saturday is a second Town Hall session on Business and Economy with the sub-theme: Building Sustainable/Generational Businesses, and will feature notable panelists like Rev Professor Biodun Adedipe Founder of BA and Associates, and Rev Dr Abba Peter, Managing Director of Best Practices Limited, among others.Other Town Hall segments at Mega Summit 2026 include that on Politics/Governance with the sub-theme: Swimming Against the Tide – National Transformation through Service, and another Town Hall on Media featuring Mr. Mustapha Isah Osikhekha, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Omoba Deji Irawo and others as they navigate best way to Reclaim the Narrative: Legacy in Digital Spaces.
An extra-ordinary edition, the 13th edition of Mega Summit will also have segments designed to equip leaders in men’s ministry through the instrument of KMEN’s School of Men’s Ministry/ISI Training. Each day of Mega Summit 2026 is divided into three segments – morning starting at 9 am, afternoon session and evening climaxing with an impartation service.KMEN is an uncompromisingly Bible-based, independent ministry to men. Established nearly two decades ago, the ministry’s objective is to assist men, irrespective of their church affiliations, in their Christian Walk, that they may become better sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and leaders.
Manchester United are ready to spend in the region of £150million to sign three central midfielders this summer if there is enough room in the transfer budget.
Daily Mail Sport understands that United have earmarked around £80m for a marquee signing to replace Casemiro, who will leave at the end of his contract despite hopes among some fans that he could extend his stay at Old Trafford.
United know their No 1 target Elliot Anderson is likely to cost in excess of £100m, and Manchester City are in pole position to sign the Nottingham Forest star.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni are other names in the frame, although United’s interest in Tonali has cooled slightly and Tchouameni wants to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu.
United are prepared to spend around £40m on another midfielder to replace Manuel Ugarte if they can get a reasonable price for the Uruguayan who cost £50m from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a player of interest, and Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Tyler Adams would also fall into that category.
Despite tying Kobbie Mainoo to a new long-term contract, United could strengthen their squad by signing a third midfielder for about £20m. It’s understood that scouts have been monitoring the progress of Southampton’s Shea Charles.
However, it will depend on how much money is available with United expected to bring in a left-sided forward, left-back, central defender and a reserve goalkeeper in the summer.
The club will have considerably more to spend after confirming their return to the Champions League by beating Liverpool on Sunday, which is worth in excess of £100m.
United also hope to bank significant transfer fees for Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana, Ugarte and, possibly, Joshua Zirkzee while creating additional space on the wage bill by offloading Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Altay Bayindir.
Jeremy Doku insisted Manchester “will keep on fighting” in the Premier League title race despite their “painful” draw with Everton on Monday.
City drew 3-3 with the Toffees at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Doku scoring a 97th-minute equaliser, having also scored the opening goal.
Doku’s equaliser (96:49) is City’s third-latest goal on record (since 2006-07) in a Premier League game after John Stones’ strike against Arsenal in September 2024 (97:14) and Gabriel Jesus’ goal against Everton in February 2019 (96:52).
Doku has had a hand in six goals across his last five games for City in all competitions (four goals, two assists), as many as in his previous 22 games combined (one goal, five assists).
The Belgian also created the most chances in the match against Everton (four), completed the most dribbles (5/7) and won the most duels (14/19).
City avoided defeat in a Premier League game despite trailing by 2+ goals as late as the 82nd minute for the first time since March 2012 against Sunderland (3-3).
They went on to win the league title in 2011-12, and Doku believes City can still beat Arsenal to the trophy this season.
“First half, we played well and created a lot of chances. We know if we don’t score those chances, it is going to get difficult at the end,” said Doku.
“Obviously, they are at their own stadium, they create chances, and they are dangerous, and they scored two goals, but I think we gave them the game.
“Good that we came back because one point is not bad in games like this.
“We will see. It feels painful now. There is still a lot of games to go. We lost two points, but we know that one point can be important at the end.
“We will keep on fighting. We owe it to ourselves and to our fans.”
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