Crime

Drug abuse threatens Nigeria’s future, Marwa warns youths

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2025

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, on Tuesday warned that drug abuse among young people remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future.

Marwa issued the warning in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme titled “Kick Out Drug Abuse,” organised by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with the NDLEA.

He commended the organisers for creatively harnessing the power of football—the world’s most popular sport—to engage youths in positive and life-changing activities.

According to Marwa, substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, and methamphetamine are sadly being abused in schools, communities, and even sporting circles.

“These substances rob young people of their health, potential, and future. The devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rates, violence, and shattered communities,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman emphasised that prevention remains the best defence.

Marwa stressed that the football-based sensitisation programme highlights the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits.

“Football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and determination. Every pass, every goal, and every victory comes from focus and commitment.

“Similarly, in life, our youths are constantly faced with choices: whether to stay on the path of discipline or to fall into the dangerous trap of drug
abuse.

“Just as one reckless foul can cost a team a match, one poor choice to experiment with drugs can destroy dreams, ruin careers, and even cut short lives,” Marwa said.

He reminded the youths that professional footballers, whether in local leagues or on the international stage, maintain their excellence by living drug-free lives.

To win in football and in life, one must stay drug-free. Marwa warned that footballers who abuse drugs cannot sustain excellence on the pitch.

“Therefore, I urge every young person here to let football inspire you to channel your energy into creativity, hard work, and teamwork.

“Let the slogan ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ be more than words. Let it guide your lifestyle. Remember, saying no to drugs means saying yes to your dreams, your health, and your future,” he said.

Marwa reiterated the NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, out of schools, and far away from the nation’s youths.

He explained that the agency is strengthening prevention programmes and promoting counselling and rehabilitation for users who need help.

The agency is also deepening partnerships with ministries, agencies, schools, sports bodies, religious groups, and community leaders, among others.

Emphasis is placed on prevention targeting young people both in and out of school, with interventions designed to delay drug initiation while providing support for current users.

“However, the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the NDLEA alone.

“We call on every young person to be a champion in your own corner—reject drugs and positively influence your peers,” he added.

Jude Onwusonye, Managing Director of Richy Gold International Ltd, said that beyond manufacturing, the organisation is proud to champion social impact through its flagship campaign, KODA.

Onwusonye described KODA as more than a project, calling it a clarion call, in partnership with relevant agencies, to safeguard the future of youth, combat drug abuse, and inspire a healthier, more productive society.

“At Richy Gold International Ltd, we don’t just make pharmaceutical products; we build healthier communities, restore hope, and fuel dreams.

“With innovation, integrity, and compassion at our core, we are redefining pharmaceutical excellence while leading the charge for a drug-free generation,” Onwusonye concluded.

punch.ng

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Crime

EFCC busts Chinese-linked illegal refinery in Ogun

Published

10 hours ago

November 4, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The commission said the facility was discovered on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence and surveillance on the activities of illegal sludge oil refiners.

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Oyewale said the facility was deserted when operatives stormed the premises, following an earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area.

However, he said operatives discovered waste products from the refining process and underground tanks suspected to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.

The statement read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

“The operation, conducted on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, followed credible intelligence and surveillance by the commission on the activities of the illegal sludge oil refiners.

“The refinery was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises, following the commission’s earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area. However, waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location.”

Oyewale said during the raid, underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were also discovered.

“Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and transported it to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing,” Oyewale added.

He said the operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through chambers and filters in a process believed to produce diesel for sale in the Nigerian market.

“Personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.

“Consequently, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have since taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities and economic sabotage,” he added.

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Oyo boxer, KBlaq stabbed to death during street fight

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

An amateur boxer identified simply as Kehinde and popularly known as KBlaq has been stabbed to death during a street fight at Olodo Garage in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday, sparking outrage among social media users, who called for justice for the deceased.

According to accounts circulating online, the deceased was not initially involved in the fight, while the suspect allegedly appeared after the confrontation had ended and stabbed him in the neck with a broken bottle.

Kehinde, who was described by acquaintances as a boxer, reportedly succumbed to his injuries.

Several social media users expressed shock over the killing, with some claiming that the suspect was not among those involved in the initial fight.

An X user, @MVKAY2, wrote, “The person who stabbed him was not even involved in the fight, and they had stopped fighting already. Just one of those vile men wey the matter no concern came from nowhere and stabbed him.

“Before una start dropping different narratives, I wish he was with Z second. I wish he was never there.”

Another user, @omononaolapo, wrote, “Funny enough, this guy that stabbed him was not even among those that they were fighting.”

Similarly, @Tunde, who described the deceased as his brother, wrote, “Na my brother o. Ajeh. Olodo bike men can be very mean sometimes, and they were all there watching them fight.”

Another user, @Fela, added, “This was why I made this tweet earlier today. This boxer is my younger brother’s friend. I got to church yesterday and my brother told me someone killed his friend. I was shocked when he told me.”

Also, @Pelumifundz, who described Kehinde as the younger brother of a friend, wrote, “This guy is a twin and my friend’s junior brother. He’s so gentle and doesn’t cause trouble. I would really love to know what happened that made the bikeman stab him in the neck. Anyways, rest in peace, Kenny. I know you won’t go without having justice. We will definitely get it for you.”

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, told our correspondent during a telephone interview that an investigation was ongoing.

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Terrorists abduct 14 Islamic school students in Niger

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students in a Niger State Islamic school.

The incident reportedly happened on Saturday in Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area.

The PUNCH learnt that the students were abducted while harvesting maize in their teacher’s farm when the terrorists invaded the farm.

The teacher was also reportedly kidnapped during the incident.

The spokesman of the Niger State police command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying that the number of abducted students was 14 and not 50 as reported.

He also said a joint security mission was on a rescue mission, assuring that the abducted students would be rescued.

“On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30 pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm.

“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.

“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, speaking on the incident, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over his handling of the security situation in the state.

He lamented that the governor was busy with electioneering and had failed to protect lives and property.

“The security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to confront the situation.

“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condole with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.

Source: punchng.com

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