70% of youths threatened by drugs, says Marwa - Newstrends
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70% of youths threatened by drugs, says Marwa

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5 years ago

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Buba Marwa

…Marwa launches WADA Club for Universities at UNIABUJA
…Explains why Drug Integrity Test for Universities is necessary.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig General Buba Marwa has warned that the nation faces a grim future over the rate of drugs prevalence among youths wondering, “what will become of Nigeria with about 70% youth population if the future of its youths is ravaged by drugs.

Speaking while launching the War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA) Club at the University of Abuja, Marwa said, “Part of the measures to reduce drug use in universities is the proposed introduction of the Drug Integrity Test for both new and returning students.

According to him, “The Drug Integrity Test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.

“It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the “University of National Unity”, will be the first public university in Nigeria to adopt the Drug Integrity Test for fresh and returning students of the institution.

“The Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure, rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.

“This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student.

“Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where we’ll deploy our men to assist the authorities, deter drug dealers and users within the university.

“It is commendable to know that the University of Abuja has a functional Counselling and Career Services Centre which attends to the psychological and emotional needs of the students including those struggling with drug addiction.

“There is a need to give necessary support and care to those who are already hooked on drugs to get out of the habit.

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“As such. I would recommend the establishment of Counselling (and Career Services) Centres in all universities which are yet to establish such. To the students, I charge you in the spirit of true patriotism to desire and work towards a country devoid of drugs and its attendant consequences.

Continuing on the high prevalence of drug useage, Marwa said, “The facts have alarming human angles. For instance, the survey revealed that one in every four drug users in Nigeria is female. And it is instructive and worrisome to know that drug use was common among those aged 25-39 years, while the age of initiation was 22 years for heroin and 19 years for cannabis.

Emphasizing that “these age groups comprised of young people who are either in secondary or tertiary institutions or are on the cusp of graduation”, he said, “To simplify the report of the survey: young people are overwhelmingly the majority of drug abusers in Nigeria.

“That is a jolting reality because youths are the building blocks of every developed nation and anything that affects the youth population affects the nation. The youth population constitutes the country’s workforce and the stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country would be.

Appreciating Vice-Chancellor and the Counselling and Career Services Centre of the university for finding it imperative to sensitize the students and the entire university community on the devastating consequences of substance use and the way forward, Marwa said the theme, “Drug-Free University and Tertiary Institutions,” is apt and timely as there is no better time than now to combat the drug challenge in the university community and among students.

He continued, “The menace of drug use is of worrisome dimension, this is even as the government has put in place measures in line with international conventions to counter this growing challenge among our youths.

“The abuse and trafficking of drugs is a global problem and Nigeria couldn’t have been insulated from this scourge. This was why in 1990 the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established and charged with the responsibility of “enforcing laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drugs and other related matters.”

“Since then, the Agency has not relented in its efforts at reducing the use and trafficking of drugs. But the truth on the ground indicates that our society needs to do more. The National Drug Use and Health Survey of 2018 showed that Nigeria has a peculiar drug use prevalence.

“At 14.4%, the country’s drug use prevalence is almost three times the global average of 5.6%. And what is worse, the abuse of drugs cuts across all ages, gender, socioeconomic status and regions.

“As revealed by statistics from the survey, 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, used psychoactive substances, while 10.6 million abused cannabis and 4.6 million others abused pharmaceutical opioids such as codeine, tramadol and morphine among others.

“To aggressively reverse the trend, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign on 26th June 2021 to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

“The goal of WADA is to mobilize all Nigerians, especially the youth population, for active participation in the process of ridding our society of the drug menace.

“As one of the worst-hit age groups by the drug menace, Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders to the attainment of the laudable goals of WADA.

“Since the launch of WADA, the Agency has initiated evidence-based prevention activities which include focused advocacy, drug awareness campaign, sensitization, treatment and care of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD).

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“We have launched a renewed campaign and intensive sensitization, targeting youths in schools at all levels as well as youths out of school.

“The pervasiveness and magnitude of the drug use problem have necessitated the change in the name of the club from Drug-Free Club to War Against Drug Abuse Club―WADA Club for short―to inject a renewed vibe and vigour into the club and its members.

“The main objective of the WADA Club include among others, “To prevent the use and sale of illicit drugs in schools /institutions and promote alternative activities to involvement in drugs.

“Others are to Increase the knowledge of members on the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and persuade those using drugs to seek help and equip students with necessary skills that will enable them to resist pressure to use drugs.

“These listed objectives can only be achieved through the execution of laudable activities that will promote drug-free lifestyles in educational institutions which will invariably enhance learning.

“The ambassadors, comprising of the academic and non-academic staff of the university, are to act as good role models to students by leading and living by example.

“The role of WADA Ambassadors is to supervise, encourage and support the club to ensure that the goals of the WADA campaign are achieved within the university community and its environs.

“We must be agents of change and the change we desire in others must start from us. We must use all of our talents to serve our country and fatherland.

“The Nigerian youth must be in the right state of physical and mental health as well as sound intellectual condition to adequately contribute to national development.

“The launch of the WADA Club is a significant gesture that the students, staff and indeed the entire community of the University of Abuja has joined in the campaign against drug abuse.”

Other speakers at the occasion included the representative of the minister of Education and Director Guardiance and Counselling Directorate, Mrs Okereke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in charge of Administration, Professor Abubakar Sadeeq, the Representative of the National University Commission, Mr Odia and the Director, Counselling and Carrier Service Center, Prof. Mrs. Ojiha

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Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

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32 minutes ago

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August 29, 2026

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Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

At least 26 Boko Haram fighters have been killed and 10 motorcycles destroyed after troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion repelled an attack on their position in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred at about 10:50pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

In a statement issued in Maiduguri on Saturday, Goni said the attackers launched an assault on the military position but were met with direct and indirect fire from the troops.

The military response reportedly forced the fighters to retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis, with several of them killed during the encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops subsequently conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered some of the bodies of the fighters killed during the confrontation.

As the fleeing terrorists attempted to withdraw from the area, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was deployed to track and engage them.

Goni said the operation was conducted despite challenging weather conditions, with military aircraft locating a group of the fleeing fighters taking cover under trees.

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The air component subsequently carried out a strike that reportedly killed an estimated 10 terrorists.

The operation was further supported by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

According to Goni, the surveillance assets tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, which reportedly killed an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles.

Ground troops continued operations in the area and reportedly killed another terrorist during subsequent exploitation.

They also recovered two motorcycles, assorted ammunition and other logistics items, according to the military.

The coordinated ground and air operations were aimed at preventing the attackers from regrouping after the failed assault and disrupting their ability to move fighters and supplies around the area.

The military said the operation further degraded the terrorists’ mobility and fighting capability, while denying them the opportunity to reorganise and launch another attack.

Following the engagement, troops were reportedly replenished by air with essential combat supplies to enable them to sustain the operation and maintain pressure on terrorist elements.

Four military personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation. However, the military said none of the injuries was life-threatening.

The wounded personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.

Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle-damage assessment remains ongoing.

Goni said the successful defence of the Kukawa military position demonstrated the ability of Operation Hadin Kai to integrate ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities in responding to terrorist threats.

The latest operation also underscores the strategic importance of Kukawa and the Cross Kauwa axis, which are located within the wider Lake Chad Basin security theatre where insurgent groups have continued to operate.

The area has witnessed repeated counter-insurgency operations as Nigerian forces and the Multinational Joint Task Force work to restrict the movement of Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked fighters around the Lake Chad region.

The Nigerian military has increasingly relied on a combination of ground operations, airstrikes and intelligence-led surveillance to track terrorist movements, disrupt their logistics and prevent attacks on military positions and communities in Borno.

The military said it would sustain offensive operations and intelligence-led surveillance aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, denying them freedom of action and protecting communities across the North-East.

The casualty figures released by the military represent its assessment of the operation. Independent verification of the reported number of terrorists killed was not immediately available.

Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

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Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

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August 29, 2026

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Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria – Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB) of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian nationals who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate. The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. This operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime and human trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation between Nigeria and Colombia.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the details of the operation in a statement released on Saturday, August 29, 2026. According to the statement, the two women were “fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated” by some Chinese nationals, who are currently at large. Upon receipt of the intelligence from INTERPOL-NCB Bogotá, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day. The statement read in part, “Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.” According to police, the suspects fled the location when they noticed the approaching operatives. “The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate,” the statement said. The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network.

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The police said the rescued Colombian nationals are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support, including medical care and counseling services to help them recover from their traumatic experience. The statement further disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the National Central Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá. The embassy’s involvement underscores the importance of diplomatic cooperation in handling cross-border trafficking cases and ensuring that victims are not re-victimized by bureaucratic hurdles.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes. The statement said Disu “reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.” The police said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network.

This rescue operation highlights the growing challenge of transnational human trafficking in Nigeria, which serves as both a source, transit, and destination country for victims. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria has seen an increase in cases involving foreign nationals being trafficked into the country for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery. The involvement of Chinese nationals in this case points to the international nature of trafficking syndicates operating in the country. The police have called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, as community cooperation remains vital in combating these crimes.

Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

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Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

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August 29, 2026

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Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

TASAFE, Zamfara State – The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued nine travellers who were trapped in a bandit attack along the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway in Tsafe Local Government Area, following a fierce gun battle between security forces and the assailants. The police also arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles in a separate operation along the same highway on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The incident occurred at about 1:20 pm when the Tsafe Divisional Police Headquarters received reports of heavy gunshots around the Kwanoni-Gidan Giye axis of the highway. According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, suspected bandits had intercepted two vehicles and attacked their occupants. One of the vehicles was a Sharon mini-bus, with registration number KWL 742 ZY, driven by Lawal Dauda of Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, which was conveying seven passengers from Gusau to Zaria. The second vehicle, an unregistered bus driven by Haruna Alhaji Nasiru of Danja LGA, Katsina State, was carrying his son, Sanusi Haruna, and transporting dry cassava from Sokoto to Funtua. The police said the Tsafe Divisional Police Officer, alongside operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and military personnel under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, immediately moved to the scene after receiving the distress call. The security forces engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the attack and flee towards the mountainous outskirts of Tsafe town. “Some of the bandits are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement said. All nine occupants of the two vehicles were rescued unharmed.

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In a separate operation at about 5:30 pm the same day, VCRU operatives arrested a 50-year-old man, Khalid Umar, who was allegedly conveying 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles. Umar, who is from Bawa Ganga Village in Tsafe LGA, was intercepted along the Funtua-Tsafe Federal Highway following credible intelligence. According to the police, a preliminary investigation showed that the suspect was allegedly conveying the firearms from Shuwaki Village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State to Bawa Ganga in Zamfara. The suspect is currently in police custody, while the recovered firearms have been secured for further investigation. The police said the investigation would determine the source and intended recipients of the weapons and identify other persons connected with their procurement and movement.

Friday’s rescue operation comes just days after a more deadly attack on the same highway. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a large group of heavily armed bandits blocked the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway near Unguwar Chida Village, Tsafe LGA, and opened fire on motorists and passengers. During that attack, eight travellers were killed, including the driver of a Sharon vehicle and seven passengers, while eight others were abducted and nine sustained gunshot injuries. Security forces later pursued that same group of bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of 17 suspected bandits, according to police. Several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. The police and military were still conducting operations to track the fleeing members of the gang and rescue the abducted passengers as of Thursday.

The command assured motorists and residents that it would sustain joint patrols and intelligence-led operations along major highways and other vulnerable areas in the state. The statement said joint patrols comprising the police, military, Community Protection Guards, hunters and local vigilantes have been deployed along the highway and other vulnerable locations. It said the measures were aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of travellers. The Commissioner of Police has directed operatives to sustain the ongoing search-and-rescue operations with renewed determination to secure the release of the abducted passengers and bring the fleeing bandits to justice.

 

Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

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