Category: Security and Crimes

Caption: The Customs Area Controller in charge of FOU Zone C, Abdullahi Balogun

 

Lagos – The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Owerri, has intercepted 13.6 kilograms of dry donkey skin worth N3.6 billion in Owerri, Imo State.

It stated that the dry animal skins were warehoused in a 40ft container and were billed for export.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of FOU Zone C, Abdullahi Balogun, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.

Balogun added that the prohibited item, which is classified as dried salted donkey skin, was uncovered by eagle-eyed officers following a comprehensive examination of the container.

He explained that dry donkey skin is a product listed under the Export Prohibition List by the Federal Government due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance, and the illegal trade in endangered species.

“Upon examination, it was discovered that the items were packed in 10 pieces per sack and nine pieces per sack, totaling 3,022 pieces. Each dry salted donkey skin has an average weight of 4.5 kilograms, giving a total weight of 13,599 kilograms.

Caption: Truck intercepted by Custom with 13.6 kg of dry donkey skin worth N3.6bn

 

“A 40-ft containerised donkey skin billed for illegal export and worth N3.6 billion has been intercepted by vigilant officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri.

“Further investigations revealed the global price of dry salted donkey skin stands at $750 and a unit price of $166.6 per kilogram,” Balogun said.

The controller commended the dedication and professionalism of the operatives involved in the seizure.

Balogun emphasised that the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods.

He warned individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist from the act.

He stressed that the service would continue intensifying surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic enforcement operations across all zones.

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Caption: At the Middle, the Assistant Controller General of Narcotic, Buba Wakawa and other officers during a briefing in commemorating the International Day Against drug Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held in ENL Terminal Apapa port in Lagos on Monday

Lagos – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Apapa Strategic Command, has unveiled an initiative to increase awareness of the potential health, social, and legal consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

 

The Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Buba Wakawa, announced this at a news conference in Lagos on Monday, ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.

The United Nations designated June 26 as a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

 

Wakawa stated the command plans to conduct awareness campaigns within the Apapa Port and its host communities, which fall under the Command’s area of operations.

He said: “The theme: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Beak the Cycle”, will allow us to strengthen actions and cooperation in curtailing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.

“If we are to guarantee sound health and security in our communities, we must address drugs, as they have been found to aggravate conflicts, crime, and new waves of insecurity, such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

“The command will align with the agency’s National Headquarters initiative, with a lineup of commemorative activities. These began with Juma’at Prayers at the ENL and CPC Mosque on June 20, followed by a Church commemorative service on June 22 at the ECWA Church, Marine Beach.

“Press Briefing on Monday and Road Walk Awareness Campaign against Drug Abuse on this Tuesday. Debate on Drug Abuse among 12 selected secondary schools in Apapa Local Government, the climax of the Commemoration will be a Grand Finale and Town Hall engagement on Thursday.”

Wakawa said that the objective of the engagement was to bring together broad spectrum of the society, the schools and students, regulatory government and sister security agencies.

The commander said others were the terminal operators and stakeholders, the Press and Media in unionism of one voice against Drug Abuse and the Illicit Trafficking.

He appreciated all the stakeholders, especially its foreign counterparts, the regulatory government and sister security agencies and other Maritime Union at the port for the synergy and cooperation.

Wakawa noted that this collaboration had led to various drug seizures, effectively cutting off the supply chain of “merchants of death,” adding that “the cycle could be broken, and together we could make it happen.”

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on faith-based organisations, families and corporate bodies to intensify their support for the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa made the call on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Wuye, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the service was held as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The theme for the year 2025 World Drug Day is “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Marwa, who was represented by the Secretary of the NDLEA, Shadrach Haruna, acknowledged the sacrifice by personnel and thanked God for the lives of the agency’s officers.

“We thank God for preserving our lives and for the relentless efforts of our officers who work daily to rid the streets of harmful substances.

“Unfortunately, we have lost some officers in the process, but we continue to push forward,” he said.

Marwa, however, emphasised the critical role of parents in drug abuse prevention, urging them to instill sound moral values in their children and support them in making the right choices.

“Prevention starts at home. Parents are the first line of defence. If values are instilled early, we can reduce drug use among young people,” he said.

The NDLEA Chairman also urged individuals already struggling with drug addiction to seek help through the NDLEA’s anonymous support line: 080 1020 3040.

He assured that the line was available 24/7 for counselling and rehabilitation, not to arrest.

He also commended the faith-based groups for their role in the agency’s drug demand reduction strategy.

“For effective drug demand reduction, we need faith-based groups, families, and organisations. MFM has shown that churches can amplify this message through their platforms and communities,” he added.

Marwa noted that similar prayers and engagements were held in mosques earlier in the week as part of the agency’s inclusive and strategic outreach.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to reducing drug use in the country, stressing that collective action, moral responsibility, and spiritual support were essential in combating the scourge.

“Every family has either been directly or indirectly affected by drug abuse. That’s why we must all rise, invest in prevention, and work together to save our youths and communities,” he stated.

Speaking, Pastor Edwin Etomi, the Senior Regional Overseer of Mountain of MFM) called on faith-based organisations, families, and all sectors of society to actively support the NDLEA in tackling substance abuse in Nigeria.

Etomi stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to curb drug-related challenges.

He urged other places of worship to emulate MFM’s example by engaging in efforts that empower youths and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“This is a way of repositioning our youth for better exports and usefulness in society.

“Drug abuse is a menace, and it will take every hand that is the parents, churches, private and public sectors to reduce its impact,” he said.

Addressing the issue of stigma, Etomi cautioned against condemning victims of drug addiction, encouraging families and institutions to offer support and inclusion.

Etomi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country has immense potential that could be unlocked through collective responsibility and strategic collaboration with institutions like NDLEA.

“This is not the time to stigmatise anybody. This is a time to help. NDLEA cannot do it alone.

“We believe in this country and in what God can still do through us and through structured organisations like the NDLEA,” he added.

NAN reports that the service, attended by NDLEA officers and church members, featured prayers for divine protection of operatives on the frontline and the success of the agency’s ongoing nationwide efforts.

 

 

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has deployed 2,680 personnel across the state to ensure a secure environment for residents before, during, and after the Easter festivities.

The NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, disclosed that the Command has put in place robust security arrangements to prevent any breach of peace during the festive period. Officers and men have been strategically deployed to provide adequate coverage at churches, relaxation centers, critical infrastructure, and other public spaces across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola, Command’s PRI, Kwara State Command, and made available to newsmen I’m Ilorin.

Dr Umar said that surveillance and patrol operations have been intensified in both urban and rural communities, with tactical units and rapid response squads placed on standby to swiftly address any emerging threat.

He called on members of the public to remain vigilant, be law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activity.

While extending his heartfelt Easter greetings to Christians, the Commandant urged all citizens to embrace the message of love, sacrifice, and peaceful coexistence which the season symbolizes.

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IGP Kayode Egbetokun being decorated by the founder, Al-Hikmah University, Chief Dr AbdulRaheem Oladimeji and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Noah Yusuf before the lecture on Thursday in Ilorin 

 

▪︎ Urges decentralisation of the police force to allowing state to operate state-level police department 

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun says effective policing is crucial for ensuring peace, security, and the overall well-being of the country.

Speaking at the maiden Centre for peace and security studies (CPSS), Distinguished Alumni Public Lecture of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Egbetokun said that all the  stakeholders have critical roles to play in achieving a secure environment.

Egbetokun, the first to bag PhD of the Al-Hkmah University in Peace and Security, stressed the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, which includes police, government institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to ensure a holistic approach to policing.

According to him, the active participation of the public, traditional and religious institutions, and the media in crime prevention and reporting can create a more robust security framework.

“Nigeria can achieve lasting peace and stability, improving the overall safety and quality of life for its citizens, by addressing the challenges impending effective policing.

“Ultimately, a reformed and empowered police force, backed by a supportive network of stakeholders, can contribute to building a more secure and just society foe all Nigerians.

“However, we recognise that overcoming our challenges requires comprehensive reforms, increased funding, the adoption of modern policing techniques to enhance the capabilities of the police and foster greater public trust and mobilising public support for the police,” he said.

The IGP in his short and long term recommendation said that the police should be removed from the envelop budget system which restricts the police to funding only ongoing projects. There should be more allocation of resources to equip and train law enforcement agencies effectively.

Egbetokun also suggested implementation of inclusive community policing programmes to build trust and encourage collaboration among all stakeholders.

He called for prioritizing of continuous training, especially in areas like cybercrime and human rights to improve police effectiveness.

The police boss called for the decentralisation of the police force to allowing state to operate state-level police department with clearly defined roles and oversight mechanisms.

He also recommended as a long-term measure the legislative reform to update the Police Act, to ensure the modern policing principles are enshrined in the law.

Egbetokun called for investment in police welfare, including better salaries, housing, healthcare and career development opportunities to reduce corruption and enhance job performance.

He stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration, creating a well-coordinated approach to national security between the police, military, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement agencies.

According to him, policing is a shared responsibility that demands a collaborative approach, leveraging the expertise and resources of government institutions, the judiciary, private enterprises, civil society organisations and community members.

“One of the key challenges hindering effective policing in Nigeria is the inadequate funding and resources allocated to law enforcement agencies

“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies often operate with limited resources, including outdated equipment, insufficient training and inadequate salaries which undermines their ability to perform optimally.

“This lack of resources affects their capacity to combat emerging crimes, such as cybercrime and terrorism, and hambers their overall effectiveness in maintaining public order ” he said.

Earlier the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf said the topic of the lecture was careful selected and would go a long way to highlight collaborative efforts among stakeholders in intelligence gathering and effective policing to ensure a crime-free, peaceful and prosperous society.

Prof Yusuf stressed the need for synergy among all security operatives and stakeholders to ensure effective community policing and security of lives and property.

He said Al-Hikmah University being first Islamic Faith-based institution is committed excellence, research, and community engagement.

Yusuf pointed out that the University will not relent in its efforts toward equipping students with skills, knowledge, moral and character as future leaders.

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The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, has vowed to lead a security-focused administration driven by professionalism, discipline, and collaboration with community stakeholders.

CP Ojo,  who made the pledge during his maiden press briefing with journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin,  expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for entrusting him with the responsibility of securing the State of Harmony.

“My appointment is a call to greater service. Kwara is dear to me, and I am committed to ensuring it remains peaceful, secure, and prosperous,” the Commissioner stated.

CP Ojo, who had previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the state, said his experience under the leadership of three former CPs had prepared him to build on the foundation they laid.

He assured residents that his administration would not tolerate any form of criminality, warning that Kwara would not serve as a hiding place for criminals. He also emphasized zero tolerance for misconduct within the police force.

“I will not hesitate to bring any officer found guilty of misconduct—be it extortion, abuse of human rights, or unprofessional behavior—to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of community policing, CP Ojo stressed the need for collaboration between the police and local actors including vigilante groups, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and other security agencies.

“We will work closely with all stakeholders to keep Kwara safe. Security is not the job of the police alone—it is a collective responsibility,” he noted.

The Police Commissioner also underscored the critical role of the media, commending journalists for their contribution to public enlightenment and accountability.

“Your role in informing the public and shaping opinion cannot be overstated. I look forward to a constructive relationship that strengthens transparency and public trust.

“When we succeed, let us celebrate together; when we face challenges, let us collaborate to find solutions,” CP Ojo said.

The new commissioner’s promises signal a renewed focus on safety, professionalism, and community-driven policing in Kwara State.