The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has celebrated women across Nigeria, recognising their role in shaping communities, institutions, and the country’s security landscape.

The Corps made the statement on Saturday to mark the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day, an annual global event held on 8 March to highlight women’s achievements and promote gender equality.

Officials said the day also offered an opportunity to recognise female personnel serving within the organisation.

Why it matters

Women have increasingly taken on leadership and operational roles in Nigeria’s security sector, including law enforcement and civil defence.

However, advocates say challenges remain, including gender representation in leadership positions and equal access to career opportunities.

Globally, organisations such as UN Women have continued to call on governments and institutions to accelerate progress toward gender equality.

What the NSCDC said

In its statement, the Corps praised women for their resilience and dedication to national development.

It said:

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) celebrates the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women across the nation.”

The statement continued:

“Today, we honour the courage, dedication, and leadership of women who continue to shape families, communities, and institutions, including those serving gallantly within the Corps.”

The organisation also emphasised its commitment to improving opportunities for women.

“The NSCDC reaffirms its commitment to promoting equality, empowerment, and opportunities for women as vital partners in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”

Industry and public perspective

Security experts say recognising women in security institutions helps encourage more female participation in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Women currently serve in multiple operational and administrative roles within Nigeria’s security agencies, including border protection, emergency response, and infrastructure protection.

What’s next

Observers say institutions will be expected to move beyond symbolic celebrations by implementing policies that improve gender inclusion, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

International Women’s Day events across Nigeria often include policy dialogues, recognition awards, and advocacy campaigns aimed at strengthening women’s roles in governance, business, and public service.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter says it will use the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration to push for stronger mentorship, welfare and career development opportunities for women in the media.

The global celebration, held annually on International Women’s Day on March 8, highlights women’s achievements and calls for greater gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” focuses on investing in women through mentorship, education and leadership opportunities.

NAWOJ Lagos says strengthening women’s voices in journalism is essential for balanced storytelling and inclusive public discourse.

Mentorship at the centre of the event

The association will hold a commemoration lecture and panel discussion titled:

“Give to Gain: Empowering Women Journalists through Mentorship and Advocacy for a Stronger Voice and Enhanced Welfare.”

The event will take place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Iyalla, Alausa, Lagos.

Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Johnson, said the programme is designed to support women journalists across the state.

“This event is a gift from the heart to all female journalists in Lagos and women across the state,” she said.

She added that experienced media professionals would share their knowledge and career journeys with participants.

“The day would feature a guest speaker and panelists who would give of their experiences and knowledge in journalism to fuel better practices amongst women in the Association.”

Johnson said the initiative would help women journalists play stronger roles in media development and public discourse.

“This event will enable women journalists contribute effectively to the development of the media sector and the society at large.”

Industry voices expected

The keynote speaker will be Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network.

He is expected to speak on career growth, mentorship and professional development in journalism.

The event will also feature a panel discussion with award-winning journalists including:

Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria

Blessing Oladunjoye of BONews

They are expected to discuss strategies for improving capacity building, newsroom leadership and welfare for women journalists.

Stakeholder engagement

NAWOJ Lagos says the gathering will also serve as a stakeholder engagement forum to address welfare concerns affecting women journalists.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, access mentorship opportunities and discuss ways to strengthen women’s representation in Nigerian media.

Secretary of NAWOJ Lagos, Anu M. Thomas, said the event will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00am at the NUJ Secretariat in Iyalla, Ikeja.

“All stakeholders, women groups, lawmakers, government officials, media organisations and members of the informal sector, which is largely constituted by women, are invited to celebrate the day with NAWOJ Lagos,” she said.

What’s next

Media analysts say mentorship initiatives like this could help address challenges facing women journalists in Nigeria, including limited leadership representation and workplace welfare concerns.

Advocates also argue that stronger support systems for women in journalism could improve newsroom diversity and ensure broader representation in national conversations.

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has arrested a former councillor in Lagos after officers recovered large quantities of cannabis from his home.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, a former councillor in Ibeju-Lekki, following intelligence linking him to illicit drug trafficking.

The 45-year-old was arrested on 2 March 2026 at his residence in Ilado, in Ibeju-Lekki.

Officials said a search of the property uncovered 40 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside one of the rooms.

According to the agency, Olalekan admitted ownership of both the drugs and the house where they were found.

He also confirmed that he previously served two terms as councillor representing the Orimedu community in the local government council and currently works as a legislative aide.

Drugs hidden in baby diapers intercepted

In a separate operation in the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA officers intercepted a businessman travelling with drugs concealed in baby diapers.

The suspect, Emeka Hyginus Okwor, 32, was stopped on 3 March while travelling from Obollo-Afor in Enugu State to Zuba in Abuja.

A search of his luggage revealed 1,000 pills of tapentadol (250mg) hidden inside packs of baby diapers.

Investigators said the suspect admitted ownership and told officers he was transporting the drugs to Guduwa village in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, where he operates a provision store.

Cameroonian traveller caught with synthetic cannabis

NDLEA officers also intercepted a 36-year-old Cameroonian national, identified as Mey Ali Muhamat, with synthetic cannabis concealed in a standing fan carton.

The arrest was made along the Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi State on 3 March.

Officials said the suspect was travelling on a commercial bus from Lagos to Cameroon.

The seized substance, known as Colorado, weighed about 1.55kg.

IED components intercepted in Niger

In another operation, NDLEA patrol teams intercepted 500 components believed to be for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Mokwa-Jebba road in Niger State.

Officials said the items were hidden in a sack on a commercial bus travelling from Ibadan.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Osama Abdullahi, 21, who was allegedly waiting to receive the consignment in Pelegi, Mashegu Local Government Area.

Security analysts say such seizures are significant because IED components are frequently linked to insurgent activities and violent crime.

Nationwide drug seizures

Other arrests were recorded across several states as part of NDLEA’s nationwide crackdown.

In Adamawa State, officers discovered 122,000 pills of tramadol and 700 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the false bottom of a truck transporting local drinks.

In Kano State, a suspect identified as Muhammed Ali, 20, was arrested with 11,283 pills of tramadol.

Meanwhile in Ogun State, a raid in Ogere led to the arrest of Nazifi Mudansir and Kabiru Musa, with 46kg of skunk.

Police in Delta State also arrested two suspects — Joy Chukwuma, 25, and Eugene Felix, 22 — with 18.63kg of cannabis, 10.8 litres of codeine syrup, and 4,268 pills of tramadol and swinol.

Farms destroyed in Edo forest

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives destroyed 1,910kg of cannabis cultivated on two farms inside the Egbisi forest.

Two suspects — Eke London, 48, and Austin Isusi, 49 — were arrested during the operation.

Another suspect, Alaba Adeboye, 47, was also arrested in Ikhin town in Owan East Local Government Area with 176.5kg of cannabis.

NDLEA urges continued vigilance

The NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised officers involved in the operations across the country.

He urged personnel to maintain what he described as a balanced approach to drug control, combining enforcement with public education.

The agency also said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued during the week, with sensitisation lectures held in secondary schools across states including Oyo, Niger, Zamfara, Lagos, Sokoto, Ebonyi and Anambra.

Why this matters

Nigeria has seen a growing crackdown on drug trafficking networks as authorities attempt to curb the spread of narcotics and the criminal networks linked to them.

Security experts say intercepting drug shipments — and especially explosive components — is crucial for public safety and national security.

They also warn that the concealment methods used by traffickers, including hiding drugs in everyday items such as baby products or electronics packaging, show increasing sophistication in the trade.

What’s next

The NDLEA says investigations into the suspects are ongoing and that those involved will face prosecution under Nigeria’s drug control laws.

Authorities say further operations are expected as intelligence-led enforcement continues across the country.