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Tension In NDLEA As Marwa Lobbies Tinubu For Second Term Amid Reform Plans
The race to succeed the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has intensified as the 72-year-old officer reportedly lobbies for a second five-year term. According to Nivo News, at least five contenders have already emerged, with high-level political consultations ongoing ahead of the expiration of Marwa’s tenure in about two months.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Marwa, appointed on January 17, 2021, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is credited with revamping the agency and driving one of Nigeria’s most vigorous anti-narcotics campaigns in recent years. However, debates have surfaced within government circles over his possible reappointment, with some citing his age and the need for fresh reforms in the agency.
A top security source revealed that the contenders include retired military officers, police chiefs, and senior legal professionals. “Five people are seriously eyeing the position. While Marwa is eligible for a second term, some stakeholders argue that his age and President Bola Tinubu’s reformist vision for the NDLEA make a change inevitable,” the source said.
Marwa’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday was reportedly part of his strategic effort to secure another term. Some government insiders, however, are proposing that the former Lagos State military administrator be considered for an ambassadorial role instead, insisting that the agency requires “new leadership with innovative direction.”
The succession debate is also said to be tied to broader justice sector reforms being championed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). A senior government official disclosed that “among all agencies under the justice sector, the NDLEA is the only one yet to undergo full restructuring.” The federal government is reportedly pushing for reforms that will enhance efficiency, accountability, and human rights protection across institutions like the NDLEA, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Legal Aid Council.
An internal review described the NDLEA as an agency in need of “surgical reforms,” highlighting issues such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor promotion processes, and a wide gap between arrests and convictions. Despite Marwa’s high-profile drug busts and operations, critics believe the agency’s prosecution arm remains weak.
Data shows that under Marwa’s watch, 31,675 drug offenders were arrested, with 5,147 convictions secured — a figure seen as modest relative to the scale of arrests.
Analysts suggest Marwa’s enduring political connection with President Tinubu, dating back to 1999 when he handed over to him as Lagos State governor, could play a crucial role in determining his fate. “Marwa believes his long-standing relationship with the President might help him retain the position,” an insider noted.
As the clock ticks toward the end of his tenure, all eyes are on President Tinubu to decide whether to retain Marwa for continuity or appoint a new helmsman to drive the next phase of NDLEA reforms.
Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who was reportedly held in detention in the Republic of Benin for over two years under difficult conditions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was said to have endured harsh treatment during his detention, including prolonged confinement. His release followed a presidential pardon granted by the authorities in Benin Republic under President Patrice Talon.
Speaking on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the cleric’s freedom, describing the process as lengthy and challenging. He noted that significant progress was achieved after Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He stated that although there was no personal connection or financial influence involved, the minister actively engaged Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. According to him, her visit and negotiations played a key role in securing Pastor Egbaji’s release.
Dr. Kehinde also commended all individuals and institutions that contributed to the advocacy efforts, including Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Cross River State Government, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson, and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo.
He said their combined efforts were instrumental in achieving the cleric’s freedom.
He added that while Egbaji’s release is a major relief, the cleric now faces the task of recovering and rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He called for continued support to help him reintegrate into society.
Dr. Kehinde also urged stronger government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and enhancing diplomatic engagement across West Africa to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has provided an update on its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The board stated that 1,120,491 applications were successfully completed and processed, allowing candidates to proceed to the computer-based test (CBT) stage.
It also disclosed that 432,935 applications were left incomplete, while 360,923 applicants were disqualified during screening and shortlisting for failing to meet the required criteria.
In total, the recruitment exercise recorded over 1.8 million applications across the country.
The exercise covers agencies under the board, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
CDCFIB also released a breakdown of CBT performance, showing that 221,996 candidates scored between 0–40, 229,155 scored between 41–60, 278,543 scored between 61–80, while 142,697 scored between 81–100.
The recruitment process is now expected to move to the next stage, which includes physical screening and document verification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of their screening venues, dates, and required documents.
The board reiterated that the entire process is free of charge and advised applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates, warning against misinformation and unauthorized messages circulating online.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precise airstrikes in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest, resulting in the elimination of several terrorist elements on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who noted that military operations in the North-East continue to maintain strong pressure on insurgent groups.
He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities, which identified active terrorist presence within fortified positions and underground hideouts.
According to him, NAF air platforms successfully engaged the targets using precision-guided munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and dismantling key logistics facilities. This was later confirmed through battle damage assessments.
The statement added that sustained air operations have continued to weaken terrorist networks, disrupting their activities and forcing them into more defensive and unstable responses.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, also reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining continuous, intelligence-driven operations aimed at completely neutralising terrorist threats.
He further assured that the NAF remains focused on protecting its personnel, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the safety of citizens, while continuing precision operations in line with strict rules of engagement to minimise civilian impact.
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