PHOTOS: NDLEA Chairman Marwa Leads Honorees at SAEMA 2025 as Top Security Agencies Recognized
Nigeria’s leading security, emergency management, and humanitarian institutions were celebrated this week at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture (SAEMA 2025). The event saw top officials and agencies recognized for their exemplary contributions to national safety and public service.
The ceremony, organized by Emergency Digest (a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited—IMPR) in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), and the International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS), highlighted achievements over the past year.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was presented with the “Outstanding Personality of the Year Award” for his leadership and transformative reforms in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Under his stewardship, the NDLEA has dismantled drug cartels, strengthened intelligence operations, and launched widespread public education campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently renewed his appointment for another five-year tenure, recognising the agency’s significant strides in national security.
Among individual awardees, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director and Spokesperson, received the “Outstanding Crisis Communicator” award. Babafemi’s consistent engagement with the public through press releases, updates on drug seizures, arrests of traffickers, and clarifications of misinformation has strengthened the agency’s credibility and relationship with Nigerians.
His announcement in September 2025 of the release of three Nigerians wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia exemplifies his commitment to accurate and compassionate communication.
The “Enforcement Officer Award” went to Commandant Olusola Odumosu of the FCT NSCDC, for his vigilance against criminality, illegal scavenging, and vandalism within the territory. The command, under his leadership, paraded numerous offenders, reinforcing rule of law and public safety across the FCT.
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In recognition of proactive policing, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, received the “Security Officer Award” for disrupting organized crime networks, notably in Ikorodu and Shomolu, using intelligence-led strategies to prevent crime and dismantle cult activities.
Commodore Omobamidele Adetokunbo Akinbami, Commander of NNS SOROH, was honoured as “Military Officer of the Year” for his efforts against piracy, pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries, and oil theft. Between May 2024 and April 2025, his command dismantled 145 illegal refineries, intercepted vessels, seized stolen crude and diesel, and neutralised militant camps, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to maritime and environmental security.
Other notable individual honourees included Rahila Lassa Garba, Principal News Editor at Voice of Nigeria (VON), recognised for humanitarian journalism that highlights vulnerable communities and catalyses interventions to improve lives nationwide.
Institutional awards celebrated agencies for exceptional performance across multiple areas. The Department of State Services (DSS) was recognised for “Crime Prevention”, while the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) earned accolades in “Public Information Management” for transparency and effective communication that has curbed misinformation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was recognised for “Cybercrime Prevention”, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for “Emergency Management”, and Yobe SEMA for “Humanitarian Service”.
Other institutional winners included the Nigerian Army (NA) for community service via Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC), ICPC for diligent investigations, and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for advancing civil-military relations through humanitarian initiatives. Additionally, the Nigerian Correctional Service Training School, Kaduna was named “Training Institute of the Year” for its role in equipping officers for custodial and rehabilitative duties.
The event also served as a platform to highlight the synergy between security agencies, media, and civil society in safeguarding Nigeria’s security and enhancing public awareness.
SAEMA 2025 underscored the importance of recognising both individual and institutional excellence in strengthening the nation’s resilience against crime, emergencies, and other threats to public safety.
By PRNigeria
