The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially launched its inaugural formal weapons handling training program, signaling a strategic evolution in its ongoing battle against increasingly dangerous and armed drug trafficking syndicates.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Historic Milestone in Jos On Monday, June 29, 2026, the agency inaugurated a specialized “Train-the-Trainer” course at its Academy in Jos, focusing on the tactical operation of AK-47 Type 56-1 rifles and HS-9/CF98A pistols. Representing NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), his Chief of Staff, Col. Murtala Aminu, emphasized that this development is a historic turning point in the agency’s 36-year history.

Marwa highlighted that the shift is a necessary response to the changing landscape of drug trafficking, noting that these organizations have become highly organized, armed, and ruthless. He stated, “It would be unconscionable for this Agency to send men and women into harm’s way without the tools and training to protect themselves and the public they serve.”

Institutional Growth and Procurement The NDLEA Chairman credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for providing the necessary operational support, and acknowledged the Office of the National Security Adviser for facilitating the initial supply of arms and ammunition.

Key details regarding the agency’s expansion include:

• Procurement: The process, which began in 2023 through the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), is nearing completion.

• Logistics: Large quantities of rifles and ammunition are expected to arrive shortly, with plans already in place to airlift them to commands nationwide in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force.

• Accountability: A strict framework has been established to ensure responsible distribution and usage across all commands.

Setting the Standard for Personnel The training program utilizes selected personnel from various commands who will serve as “master trainers.” These officers are tasked with returning to their respective stations to oversee mandatory one-month weapons handling courses for all staff before the new equipment is officially deployed.

In his address to the trainees, Marwa emphasized that their role is critical to shaping the agency’s future operational culture. He issued a stern directive for the officers to maintain the highest levels of discipline, safety, and professional ethics. He stressed that the authority granted by carrying firearms must be balanced by restraint, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Reflecting on the agency’s recent progress, Marwa concluded that the integration of tactical arms is the “next chapter” in the NDLEA’s mission to dismantle criminal networks and maintain its status as a formidable force against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu conducted a swearing-in ceremony on Monday at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where he officially inaugurated new Federal Commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Population Commission (NPC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

New Appointments

• RMAFC: Amina Gamawa (Bauchi) and former National Hajj Commission Chairman, Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed (Kaduna), were sworn in as commissioners.

• NPC: Six individuals were inaugurated to serve as commissioners, including Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara), Isaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara), Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa), and Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto).

Following the ceremony, President Tinubu presided over a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting—the first to be held in two months—attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and key members of the cabinet.

Political Backlash The event coincides with growing political friction, as former Vice President and 2027 presidential contender, Atiku Abubakar, has voiced strong opposition to the judiciary’s recent reversal of a ruling that would have registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja recently set aside its December 2025 judgment, with Justice Isah Dashen citing that the initial decision failed to consider the rights of the Peace Movement Party. Atiku criticized this development, labeling it a “sinister plot” by the Tinubu administration to dismantle opposition and establish a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that such maneuvers to restrict the political landscape threaten the integrity of democracy and could lead to national instability.

• Rescue Operation: Troops from Operation HADIN KAI successfully rescued ten teachers and NECO candidates who were abducted by ISWAP terrorists during an attack on a Technical Secondary School in the Lassa community of Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Military Response: Following the 9:00 a.m. attack on June 29, 2026, the military deployed ground troops supported by strike and surveillance aircraft to conduct a coordinated rescue mission.Casualties: During the intense firefight near Daggu, one soldier and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives while protecting the victims.

  Status of Victims and Perpetrators: The ten rescued individuals are currently receiving care, and military operations are ongoing to locate the remaining victims. Furthermore, troops managed to inflict casualties on the terrorists and seized seven motorcycles belonging to the attackers.

  Ongoing Security: The military has reinforced security measures in the region and emphasized its commitment to protecting schools and restoring peace in the North East despite terrorist attempts to target vulnerable populations.