Nigeria’s security, emergency response, and humanitarian institutions took centre stage this week as the 7th edition of the Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture (SAEMA 2025) honoured individuals and organisations driving national safety and public service excellence.

The annual ceremony organised by Emergency Digest, an IMPR publication, in partnership with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), CISLAC, and the International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) brought together leading voices in national security, crisis communication, and humanitarian work.

One of the major highlights of the event was the recognition of Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, who was named Outstanding Personality of the Year.

Marwa’s award acknowledged his far-reaching reforms and the agency’s intensified war against drug trafficking and abuse under the WADA initiative.

His reappointment by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year tenure was also celebrated as a testament to the NDLEA’s renewed impact.

Another major nod went to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who bagged the Outstanding Crisis Communicator Award.

His unwavering engagement with Nigerians through frequent press updates on drug seizures, arrests, and clarifications of sensitive issues was praised as a model for transparent public service communication.

His widely reported announcement in September 2025 on the release of three wrongly detained Nigerians in Saudi Arabia further cemented his reputation for accuracy and empathy.

In the area of internal security, Commandant Olusola Odumosu of the FCT NSCDC clinched the Enforcement Officer Award for leading decisive operations against vandalism, illegal scavenging, and other threats across Abuja.

His command has consistently paraded offenders and enforced laws that keep the capital district safer.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, was also honoured with the Security Officer Award, following a year of intelligence-led crackdowns that disrupted organised crime rings, especially in Ikorodu and Shomolu.

His strategy-driven policing has prevented several violent crimes and weakened cult networks across the state.

In maritime security, Commodore Omobamidele Adetokunbo Akinbami, Commander of NNS SOROH, received the Military Officer of the Year award.

Between May 2024 and April 2025 alone, his team demolished 145 illegal refineries, seized stolen petroleum products, intercepted vessels, and neutralised criminal camps an achievement hailed as vital to safeguarding national economic assets and the environment.

The awards also spotlighted humanitarian journalism, with Rahila Lassa Garba, Principal News Editor at Voice of Nigeria (VON), receiving recognition for reporting that amplifies the struggles of vulnerable groups and inspires social intervention efforts.

Institutional Winners

This year’s SAEMA also honoured key institutions for exceptional contributions:

Department of State Services (DSS)- Crime Prevention Award

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)-Public Information Management Award for its transparency and fact-based communication

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)- Cybercrime Prevention Award

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)- Emergency Management Award

Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)- Humanitarian Service Award

Nigerian Army (NA)- Community Service Award under Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC)

ICPC- Investigative Excellence Award

Nigerian Air Force (NAF)- Civil-Military Relations Award for ongoing humanitarian initiatives

Nigerian Correctional Service Training School, Kaduna- Training Institute of the Year for advancing professional development of correctional personnel

Beyond the recognitions, the ceremony reinforced the growing collaboration between the media, civil society, and security institutions in tackling emerging threats and enhancing public security awareness.

SAEMA 2025 ultimately served as a reminder that Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and its commitment to humanitarian service is being championed by dedicated agencies and individuals whose work continues to strengthen the nation’s resilience.