The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the tenure of Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) as the most transformative era in the history of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), citing unprecedented arrests, convictions, and institutional reforms since the agency’s creation in 1989. A review by HURIWA highlighted that while previous chairmen contributed to the NDLEA’s development, none matched the scale, scope, or sustained momentum achieved under Marwa’s leadership. Since taking office in January 2021, Marwa’s administration has overseen more than 73,000 arrests, including 110 high-profile drug barons, secured over 12,000 convictions, and confiscated 15…
Author: National Update
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has congratulated Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo on his re-election as President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), urging him to use his leadership position to promote interfaith harmony across Nigeria. Rev. Mohzo, first elected COCIN President in 2021, secured a fresh four-year mandate last week, a development Ndume described as a reflection of his dedication, integrity, and the trust he has earned over the years. Senator Ndume, who hails from Gwoza in Borno South Senatorial District, praised Rev. Mohzo’s lifelong commitment to service, both within his community and the church: “I have…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing two distinguished sons of the state into strategic national positions. In a statement issued in Lokoja, Idris described the appointments of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as a “glorious moment of pride” for Kogi State. He said the gesture reflects President Tinubu’s belief in inclusive leadership and his resolve to harness Nigeria’s best talents for national renewal.…
***Troops Rescue 31, Driver and 9 Others Still Missing By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted about 40 persons returning from the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Eyewitnesses said the victims, mostly residents of Abocho, Ajekeleaga, and neighboring communities, were attacked along the Dekina–Ajiyolo–Anyigba road around 6 p.m. on Friday. They were said to have chartered a vehicle to Dekina, the LGA headquarters, for the registration exercise, but were ambushed on their way back by over 20 gunmen who whisked them into the bush. Troops of…
Panic turned to relief on Saturday when security operatives swiftly rescued passengers stranded after a train travelling from Itakpe to Warri derailed in Adogo community, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m., left travellers stuck for hours in the middle of nowhere until police and railway officials arrived to secure the area and ensure their safety. Responding to a distress call, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, immediately dispatched a team of officers to the site. The Commissioner later visited the scene personally for an on-the-spot assessment, where he met…
Tension gripped Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday as residents took to the streets to protest recurring attacks by kidnappers and bandits across several communities. The peaceful demonstration, held in front of the General Hospital, Isanlu, followed the brutal killing of an elderly woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Olorunshola, who was abducted from Ilafin-Isanlu on Saturday. Community sources said the victim, who was reportedly ill, was shot dead by her captors after she could not keep pace with them while being taken through the forest. Another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment…
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has remained focused, vibrant, and result-driven under the leadership of its Managing Director, Hon. Bola Oyebamiji, an economist, Dr. Meshach Musa, has said. In a statement released on Sunday in Lokoja, Dr. Musa commended the NIWA management for its renewed commitment to safety, efficiency, and staff welfare across its 23 operational bases nationwide. He noted that since assuming office, Oyebamiji has recorded significant progress — notably in reducing accidents on the nation’s waterways and distributing more than 45,000 standard life jackets to Nigerians in 12 states. “Under the current management, NIWA has experienced a…
By Ehichioya Ezomon From 13 States after the 2023 General Election, the “main” opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or what remains of it, now controls only eight, with the once self-acclaimed “largest political party in Africa,” which governed 31 States at its apogee, likely to lose more to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2027 elections. In 2023, the 13 States under the PDP belt were: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers; Enugu; Osun, Oyo; Plateau; Zamfara; Adamawa, Bauchi and Taraba. While the party lost Edo to the APC in 2024 via an off-cycle election, it lost Delta,…
The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian football legend, Emmanuel Okala, in Enugu, highlighting plans to revitalize sports institutions across the country. During the visit, Okala recounted the Green Eagles’ golden era at the NIS hostel, National Stadium, Surulere, praising the comprehensive facilities, including medical support, physiologists, and quality meals that contributed to the team’s success. “It’s incredible to see you here in my home,” Okala told Shaibu. “I’ve followed your work at the NIS, and I believe you have the vision to restore this institute’s former glory.”…
It was an evening of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation as staff of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) gathered to honour their Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Michael Ango, in recognition of what they described as his visionary and reform-driven leadership. The event, aptly themed “A Night with Ango,” was organised by the staff to celebrate a leader they say has redefined public service through transparency, institutional reforms, and a renewed focus on staff welfare. Speakers at the event described Mr. Ango as a humble, forward-thinking administrator who has revitalised the Service and inspired a culture of accountability…