News

Jigawa Hails Army on Combating Banditry Operations

Published

4 years ago

January 29, 2022

Eric

Following their sacrifices and commitment in tackling banditry and other sundry crimes in the state, the Governor of Jigawa State Muhammed Abubakar has expressed the appreciation of the government and people of the state to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya and troops of the Nigerian Army.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, noted that Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mallam Umar Namadi gave the appreciation Friday during the COAS’ visit to the Governor, while on a working cum operational tour of formations and units in North West Nigeria.

The Governor described the visit as a clear indication of the commitment and resolve of the NA to deal with banditry and other forms of criminalities in the region. He further assured the COAS of the support of the government and people of Jigawa state in partnering with the NA and other security agencies in the state to restore normalcy in the state and the region as a whole.

In the same vein, the Emir of Dutse, Dr. Nuhu Sanusi has expressed appreciation of the Emirate Council of Dutse to troops of the NA and other security agencies for their untiring effort in ensuring peace and stability in the state. The Royal father gave the kudos, when the COAS visited him in his palace today to pay obeisance and solicit the support of members of the traditional institution, whom he said are key stakeholders in the national security architecture.

The Royal father noted that the people of the emirate are eager for the NA to fully occupy the new barracks being built in the state.

The Emir also intimated the COAS of the “Justice for All Programme” initiated by the Emirate, which he maintained, will complement the effort of the NA towards ensuring peace.

Speaking, the COAS stated that he was in the state as part of his tour of NA formations and units across the country to assess their needs and challenges especially in ongoing operations.

Gen Yahaya called for the support and cooperation of the government and people of the state in the fight against banditry and other criminalities confronting the nation, adding that their support is essential for operational success.

The COAS also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the government and people of the state for providing suitable land, where the NA is currently building a barracks to further enhance its presence and operations in the state. He added, that the NA under his watch is resolute in dealing with the security challenges bedeviling the nation.

The COAS was accompanied in his visit to the state by the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj Gen Olufemi Akinjobi, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Kabiru Muhktar, Provost Marshal (Army) Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba and Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen Ibrahim Salihu.

News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.

Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.

This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.

As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.

News

Assets Declaration: Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Case Against Abba Kyari

Published

19 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), against suspended DCP Abba Kyari on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, filed against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge held that the burden of proving a case beyond reasonable doubt falls in the prosecution which it had failed to do so.

The ruling covers only asset declaration allegations. Other cases including drug related offences are still ongoing.

News

NDLEA Nabs UK-wanted Drug Lord after 15-Year Hunt

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.

His arrest was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya, according to the agency, was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what officials described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

He was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and later convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment but released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

In July 2011, Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence in Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive drug production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail, remaining on the run until his latest arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation,” Marwa said.

He added that the Agency remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug cartels.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

The agency is expected to proceed with legal action against Ilomuanya in the coming days.