Nigeria’s anti-drug agency chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has appealed to traditional rulers to take a leading role in protecting girls from poverty, abuse and early marriage, warning that these vulnerabilities often expose young people to drug abuse and exploitation.

Speaking at the public presentation of In The Shadow of the Neem Tree, a book written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, in Kaduna on Saturday, Marwa said safeguarding girls was essential to strengthening families and securing Nigeria’s future.

“By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation,” he said.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to grapple with rising concerns over drug abuse among young people, while child rights advocates have repeatedly linked poverty, gender inequality and limited access to education with increased risks of substance abuse and exploitation.

Experts say addressing these root causes could reduce both drug dependency and other forms of social vulnerability, particularly among women and girls.

Marwa said the responsibility should not rest solely on government institutions and civil society groups.

“As the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, I see firsthand every day how systemic vulnerabilities like poverty, abuse, and lack of education drive women and youth toward drug abuse and exploitation,” he said.

“Advocacy like Mariam’s is the first line of defence. We cannot leave this battle to the government or non-governmental organisations alone. We need the partnership of our revered traditional institutions, led by custodians of culture like His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to shift the cultural paradigm.”

He added:

“We must protect our daughters, educate them, and give them the wings to fly.”

A father’s tribute

Marwa also praised his daughter for using literature to advocate for social justice, describing the publication as a proud milestone for his family.

“As a father, today holds a very special, symbolic meaning for me,” he said.

He noted that writing had become a family tradition, revealing that all four of his eldest children had now published books.

“To see all four of my eldest children, who are all coincidentally lawyers, pick up the pen to fight societal ills and document human experiences is the greatest legacy a father could ask for. We have become practically a family of authors!”

Book highlights early marriage

Marwa said the novel confronts the realities faced by many girls forced into early marriage across northern Nigeria.

He described the neem tree, a familiar feature across many northern communities, as a powerful symbol in the story.

“The ‘Neem Tree’ is a common sight in our northern communities, providing shade from the scorching sun,” he said.

“Yet, ironically, under some of these very shades, silent traditional arrangements occur that eclipse the bright futures of our young daughters.”

He added that early marriage deprives girls of education, good health and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.

Author says fiction reflects reality

Author Mariam Marwa-Abdu, founder of the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), said the novel was inspired by years of advocacy work.

According to her, the book is “not just a piece of fiction but a literary manifesto” of the work her organisation has pursued since 2011 to protect women and children.

She said the experiences portrayed in the story mirror realities she has encountered through more than a decade of community engagement.

Traditional institution backs campaign

Representing the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Barden Kerarriyan Zazzau and District Head of Basawa, Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, described the event as an opportunity to inspire positive social change.

He expressed hope that the book launch would serve as “a springboard for individual and collective development.”

Expert perspective

Child protection advocates have consistently argued that ending early marriage, expanding girls’ education and improving economic opportunities remain among the most effective ways to reduce exploitation, gender-based violence and substance abuse.

Public health specialists also note that prevention campaigns involving traditional and religious leaders often have greater community acceptance because of their influence at the grassroots level.

Public perspective

Parents and community leaders increasingly view education, mentoring and community awareness as critical tools for protecting young people from drug abuse and other social risks.

Many believe stronger collaboration between government agencies, traditional institutions and civil society could improve prevention efforts.

What’s next?

NDLEA is expected to continue expanding its advocacy campaigns beyond law enforcement by promoting community partnerships, public education and prevention initiatives aimed at reducing drug abuse across Nigeria.

The launch of In The Shadow of the Neem Tree also adds a literary voice to ongoing conversations about protecting girls from early marriage, abuse and exploitation.

Five suspected cult members have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal groups operating in the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.

Police said the operation, carried out by officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also led to the recovery of weapons, suspected hard drugs and items believed to be used for criminal activities.

Why it matters

Cult-related violence remains one of the major security concerns in parts of Lagos, often resulting in attacks, killings and intimidation of residents and businesses.

Security experts say disrupting criminal networks through intelligence gathering and arrests can help reduce violent crime, although sustained community policing and successful prosecution are essential to achieving long-term results.

How the arrests happened

According to the police, officers first arrested 25-year-old Abubakar Ayomide, also known as “Garbazin”, based on credible intelligence.

Investigators said he later led operatives to the group’s hideout, where four additional suspects were arrested.

The other suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23, Ahmed Abibu, 24, Abubakar Shafi, 23, and Fatai Mohammed, 25.

Police said the principal suspect admitted being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided investigators with information that could assist in tracking down other members of the group.

Authorities added that investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to arrest other suspects before the case is taken to court.

Weapons and suspected drugs recovered

Police said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of:

One battle axe

One UTC knife

Two additional knives

One hammer

Substances suspected to be Indian hemp

Items suspected to be criminal charms

Other exhibits linked to the investigation

The recovered items will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Police issue warning to criminal groups

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, warned cult groups and other criminal elements operating in Lagos to abandon criminal activities or face prosecution.

He said:

“There is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.”

The police commissioner also assured residents that intelligence-led operations would continue across the state.

He urged members of the public to continue sharing credible information with the police, adding that all reports would be treated confidentially.

Expert perspective

Security analysts have repeatedly argued that tackling cultism requires more than arrests.

They say stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, schools, community leaders and youth organisations is needed to prevent recruitment into violent groups while ensuring those arrested face speedy prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.

Public impact

Residents in Apapa, Ijora and Badia have experienced repeated concerns over violent crime linked to cult activities.

The latest arrests are expected to reassure communities, although many residents will be watching to see whether further arrests and successful prosecutions follow.

What’s next?

Police say investigations are continuing to identify and arrest additional suspects connected to the alleged criminal network.

Authorities also plan to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at reducing cultism and other violent crimes across Lagos State.

For emergencies or information sharing, the Lagos State Police Command urged residents to use its designated emergency telephone lines.

The row over the controversial Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (FIPC) has intensified after African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for dismissing calls for accountability over the matter.

Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), said Wike’s response to opposition demands reflected “political bullying” rather than transparency.

His comments followed Wike’s reported statement challenging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to “form their own government and sack whoever they want” after they questioned the administration over the FIPC controversy.

Why it matters

The controversy has drawn attention because it raises wider questions about transparency, oversight and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions.

Political analysts say disputes over public accountability often shape public confidence in government and democratic institutions, particularly when allegations involve organisations linked to government activities.

Although no official investigation has publicly established wrongdoing in relation to the FIPC, opposition parties have continued to demand explanations about its reported operations.

Eze accuses Wike of avoiding key questions

In a statement released on Friday, Eze said Wike had chosen insults over accountability.

“It is unfortunate that instead of addressing the serious issues raised by Nigerians over the embarrassing FIPC saga, Nyesom Wike has once again resorted to insults, intimidation and political grandstanding. That is neither governance nor leadership. It is simply an attempt to divert attention from questions that deserve honest answers.”

He argued that citizens do not need to hold public office before demanding accountability.

“No Nigerian needs to become President before demanding accountability from those entrusted with public office. Government belongs to the people, not to a handful of political appointees.”

According to Eze, the reported activities of the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council raise legitimate questions.

“These are not trivial allegations. They raise fundamental questions about the integrity of government institutions, administrative oversight and national security. Those questions deserve credible explanations, not emotional outbursts.”

Criticism of Tinubu over State Police Committee

Eze also criticised President Bola Tinubu for appointing his Chief of Staff to chair the committee on the establishment of state policing instead of removing him from office following the controversy.

He described the appointment as evidence that the administration was unwilling to confront allegations of misconduct.

“It is sad and unfortunate that we are now placed in a situation where the laws and constitution of Nigeria have no meaning to this administration and can be manipulated to suit the whims of the Tinubu administration.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from public officials.

Opposition insists scrutiny is constitutional

Eze maintained that questioning those in government is a constitutional responsibility of opposition parties.

“We will remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, defending democratic values and insisting that every public official, regardless of status or influence, remains accountable to the Nigerian people. No amount of political bullying will alter that sacred obligation.”

He also argued that governments should focus on addressing citizens’ concerns rather than responding to criticism with political attacks.

Expert perspective

Constitutional lawyer and public affairs analyst Jiti Ogunye has previously argued that democratic governance depends on transparency and accountability, noting that opposition parties play an essential constitutional role by scrutinising government decisions and demanding explanations where necessary.

Political scientists also note that healthy democracies rely on robust debate between governments and opposition parties, provided such exchanges remain factual and respectful.

Government position

As of the time of publication, neither the Presidency nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued a fresh response to Eze’s latest remarks.

Wike has consistently defended the Tinubu administration and has previously rejected criticisms from opposition leaders, insisting that they should seek power through elections rather than public criticism.

What happens next?

Attention is likely to remain on the FIPC controversy as opposition parties continue to demand explanations from the Federal Government.

Political observers say any official clarification or investigation could influence public confidence in government institutions and shape future political debate ahead of upcoming elections.