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NDLEA Announces Proposed Changes To Drug Offender Penalties

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NDLEA Announces Proposed Changes To Drug Offender Penalties

The Federal Government (FG) is planning to change Nigeria’s anti-drug legislation to remove the possibility of fines for convicted drug traffickers, a move the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) claims will improve the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he complimented the judiciary for its cooperation in getting convictions against drug criminals.
Babafemi said the NDLEA enjoys a great working relationship with the courts, noting that the agency records a conviction rate of about 90 per cent, with many of its cases ending without appeals because suspects are often arrested with overwhelming evidence.

“We’ve had a very good relationship with the judiciary because when you look at our conviction rate, it’s almost 90 per cent. In our own instance, you barely find any appeal because we get criminals with the exhibits right there,” he said.

Despite the accomplishment, Babafemi cited the clause permitting convicted drug offenders to pay fines instead of serving prison sentences as a major loophole in the law.

According to him, some offenders utilize the possibility by paying penalties ranging from millions of naira after conviction, so avoiding custodial sentences.
He indicated that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is already working on an executive draft to alter the law and eliminate the fine option.

“We’re grateful that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General, is addressing that. An executive bill will shortly be transmitted to the National Assembly to change the legislation so there will be no option of fine,” Babafemi stated.

He stated that after the amendment is passed, convicted drug traffickers would face mandatory prison terms, with sentences estimated to vary from a minimum of 15 years to as much as 25 years, depending on the offence.

Babafemi stated that the heavier penalties would serve as a stronger deterrent, as offenders would not only lose their freedom but also forfeit assets tied to their illicit actions.

“They will know that once they are arrested and convicted, they are going to jail, and they will lose everything. The NDLEA would not close its eyes to their assets. Those assets are forfeited and auctioned to the public,” he said.

The NDLEA official expressed confidence that removing the fine option will solve a critical loophole in the country’s anti-drug enforcement framework and enhance efforts to prevent drug trafficking and misuse nationally.

“We Don’t Know If Our Children Are Alive” – Parents Cry Out

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“We Don’t Know If Our Children Are Alive” – Parents Cry Out

The Federal Government (FG) is planning to change Nigeria’s anti-drug legislation to remove the possibility of fines for convicted drug traffickers, a move the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) claims will improve the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he complimented the judiciary for its cooperation in getting convictions against drug criminals.
Babafemi said the NDLEA enjoys a great working relationship with the courts, noting that the agency records a conviction rate of about 90 per cent, with many of its cases ending without appeals because suspects are often arrested with overwhelming evidence.

“We’ve had a very good relationship with the judiciary because when you look at our conviction rate, it’s almost 90 per cent. In our own instance, you barely find any appeal because we get criminals with the exhibits right there,” he said.

Despite the accomplishment, Babafemi cited the clause permitting convicted drug offenders to pay fines instead of serving prison sentences as a major loophole in the law.

According to him, some offenders utilize the possibility by paying penalties ranging from millions of naira after conviction, so avoiding custodial sentences.
He indicated that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is already working on an executive draft to alter the law and eliminate the fine option.

“We’re grateful that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General, is addressing that. An executive bill will shortly be transmitted to the National Assembly to change the legislation so there will be no option of fine,” Babafemi stated.

He stated that after the amendment is passed, convicted drug traffickers would face mandatory prison terms, with sentences estimated to vary from a minimum of 15 years to as much as 25 years, depending on the offence.

Babafemi stated that the heavier penalties would serve as a stronger deterrent, as offenders would not only lose their freedom but also forfeit assets tied to their illicit actions.

“They will know that once they are arrested and convicted, they are going to jail, and they will lose everything. The NDLEA would not close its eyes to their assets. Those assets are forfeited and auctioned to the public,” he said.

The NDLEA official expressed confidence that removing the fine option will solve a critical loophole in the country’s anti-drug enforcement framework and enhance efforts to prevent drug trafficking and misuse nationally.

Mumuni Justifies Remi Tinubu’s “Akara” Remark: “50,000 Enough To Start”

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Mumuni Justifies Remi Tinubu’s “Akara” Remark: “50,000 Enough To Start”

Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denounced the criticism that followed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent call for Nigerians to engage in small-scale enterprises.

According to reports, Tinubu faced strong criticism for encouraging Nigerians, especially women, to think about starting small businesses like frying and selling roasted maize and akara in order to enhance their standard of living.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by his media assistant, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni expressed his opinion that the First Lady was misinterpreted.

He said that Tinubu’s message aimed to promote economic self-sufficiency among Nigerians, particularly women and low-income families, through low-startup-capital enterprises.

He stated, “I want to address recent misinterpretations surrounding the First Lady’s advocacy for informal business ventures, particularly in the production and sale of traditional food items like akara and kulili.”

Many Nigerians living below the poverty line, according to Mumuni, merely need modest financial assistance to start small companies that can produce steady revenue.

In actuality, some impoverished Nigerians can successfully launch a business with just a token. Some Nigerians believe that ₦50,000 or ₦100,000 is sufficient to launch a business and start turning a profit. The First Lady is referring to that group of individuals. He stated, “There is no need for needless criticism.”

Mumuni continued by saying that the Federal Government had implemented a number of initiatives to assist medium-sized and large-scale businesses in addition to promoting low-cap firms.

He claims that programs like the Bank of Industry intervention funds and financing windows, the Presidential Palliative Loan Program, the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria support programs show the government’s dedication to empowering companies of all sizes.

He emphasized that the various programs serve to entrepreneurs with varying levels of funding needs, from small start-ups to established firms, and mentioned that many Nigerians had already benefited from the initiatives.

He claims that the First Lady’s remarks shouldn’t be seen as discounting the nation’s economic difficulties or restricting the ambitions of women.

“The First Lady’s remarks demonstrate a sincere concern for Nigerian women’s and families’ financial independence. Her focus on these endeavors is motivated by the practical fact that easily accessible, low-capital business options can give households immediate cash and food security.

“This is an acknowledgement of viable pathways that have demonstrably helped many families achieve basic sustenance, not a dismissal of women’s capabilities or potential,” he said.

He asked Nigerians to differentiate between constructive criticism and what he called misdirected rage.

“We need to differentiate between constructive criticism and unjustified rage.” While comments regarding the direction of policy are legitimate, it would be more fruitful to focus our combined efforts on tackling the serious issues confronting our country, such as pervasive insecurity, poverty, and hunger. These are still the important concerns that need immediate national attention and discussion, he stated.

Benue Yam Market Attack Thwarted As Military Neutralises Terrorists

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Benue Yam Market Attack Thwarted As Military Neutralises Terrorists

Together with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE, OPWS, neutralized two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition after stopping a terrorist attack on Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State.

Zagazola Makama, a security and counter-insurgency specialist in the Lake Chad area, revealed this in a post on X.

According to Zagazola, the troops conducted combat and confidence-boosting patrols near the market on Sunday and quickly responded to a distress call.

He claimed that when the troops arrived, they made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a bloody gunfight.

He claims that two suspected terrorists, Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralized during the encounter, while other individuals left the area with varied degrees of injuries.

One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one broken handgun, one pistol magazine, six rounds of NATO 7.62mm ammo, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card, and other various goods were found from the suspects.

The security expert pointed out that the forces’ prompt action avoided what might have led to serious civilian casualties and an interruption of business operations at the well-known Tor Donga Yam Market.

He added, “The successful operation also ensured that residents and traders continued to do their business without fear of terrorist attacks.”

Refinery Funds: EFCC Seizes N9.4bn, $21.2m As Probe Continues

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Refinery Funds: EFCC Seizes N9.4bn, $21.2m As Probe Continues

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over ₦9.4 billion, $21.2 million and several landed properties in its ongoing investigation into alleged diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation and turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official exchange rate of ₦1,380 to a dollar posted on Friday, $21.2m recovered is about ₦29.26bn, bringing the total cash recovery so far to about ₦38.66bn.

The recoveries are part of a wide-ranging probe into the management of billions of dollars released for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Sources familiar with the probe told Premium Times the investigation is focused on allegations of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, diversion of public funds, economic sabotage, abuse of office and money laundering.

Those being investigated include officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), its subsidiary, NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Limited, former and current managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries, and key contractors, including Daewoo Engineering Nigeria Limited and Tecnimont SPA.

The Federal Government, through NNPCL, awarded refinery rehabilitation contracts worth about $2.79bn between 2021 and 2023.

The contracts include some $740.7m for the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, $492.3m for the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company and $1.56bn for the Port Harcourt Refining Company.

Despite the massive financial commitment, investigators said they found no evidence of a commensurate improvement in the operational status of the refineries.

EFCC sources said a significant portion of the funds were allegedly diverted, misappropriated or fraudulently disbursed by officials entrusted with the execution of the projects.

Investigators are said to have examined procurement procedures, contract payments, levels of project execution and alleged weaknesses in financial controls.

More than 30 senior officials of NNPCL and more than 50 officials of contractors and subcontractors involved in the rehabilitation contracts have reportedly been interrogated.

The commission also sought information from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and several commercial banks in the course of the investigation.

One of the officials named in the probe and accused of abusing due process in the execution of the refinery rehabilitation contract was a former managing director of the Port Harcourt Refinery, Ahmed Dikko.

Investigators claimed Dikko approved direct payments to contractors from provisional sum funds, contrary to contractual provisions that such contractors had to be engaged and paid by Tecnimont.

The EFCC stated that it had traced ₦983.9m, $227,030 and three landed properties to him, which, it said, he could not satisfactorily explain to investigators.

Prosecutors are ready to file charges and a report indicates an interim forfeiture order has been secured over the properties.

Investigators also set up what they called a prima facie case against a senior Warri refinery official, Jimoh Yisawu.

Yisawu was accused of authorising payments to third-party contractors who were not qualified, authorising inflated invoices and approving contractual mark-ups of more than $10m and almost ₦8bn.

He was also charged with approving payment vouchers without the requisite cash-back arrangements, which allegedly resulted in losses of about $7.47m and ₦1.89bn in tax revenue.

Investigators said he was linked to more than ₦1.4bn and four landed properties, which were put under interim forfeiture pending prosecution.

The recovered ₦9.4bn and $21.2m had been paid into the commission’s recovery accounts, EFCC sources said.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service reportedly recovered an additional $2.32 million.

The investigators also revealed that another case of alleged revenue fraud involving the sum of $28.39m and ₦665m had been established against the management of Port Harcourt Refining Company and efforts were on to recover the funds.

The EFCC said the investigation was still ongoing and more recoveries and prosecutions were anticipated as more evidence emerged.

Nigeria has four state refineries with a combined installed capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, two of which are in Port Harcourt.

The Kaduna refinery has a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day while the Warri refinery has a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, taking the combined national refining capacity to 445,000 barrels per day.

Repeated funding for repairs and rehabilitation over the years has not prevented the refineries from suffering operational setbacks and operating at less than optimal capacity for decades.

The Warri Refinery, which was reopened in December 2024, was shut down in January 2025 due to safety concerns, although NNPC later announced maintenance outages at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Following the failure to fully revive the facilities, the Federal Government and NNPCL have continued to seek strategic investors and technical partners to rehabilitate the refineries and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

Benue MACBAN Chairman’s Murder: Police Detain 10 Suspects

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Benue MACBAN Chairman’s Murder: Police Detain 10 Suspects

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Risku Mohammed and one Yakubu Isa.

The command was quoted to have said that the suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations during a coordinated operation by its tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area in the night of June 27.

The statement was issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who described the development as a major breakthrough in the investigation and confirmed the arrests.

The suspects were identified as Titus Thyodenda 25, Utibe Sam 20, Owoicho Ameh 18, Sunday Useni 21, Sunday Ogbanje 46, Daniel Raphael 23, Adokole John 24, Samuel Ogazi 32, Agbo Daniel 25 and Onazi James 30.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the prompt response of the tactical teams and investigators.

“The Command has made good progress in its ongoing investigation. So far, ten suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident after intensive intelligence and tactical operations,” he said.

The police commissioner told residents that efforts were continuing to identify and apprehend the other persons linked to the killings.

“The Command continues to assure that all those found culpable will be brought to justice according to the law,” he added.

Nwadiogbu urged the residents to stay calm and keep supporting the security agencies with credible information that would aid the investigation.

He reiterated the command’s pledge to protect lives and property and ensure peace across the state.

Mohammed and Isa were allegedly ambushed and slain by gunmen at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday while returning from a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.

APC Does Not Need Violence To Win Osun Election – Chieftain

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APC Does Not Need Violence To Win Osun Election – Chieftain

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has said that the party does not need to resort to violence to win the August 15 governorship election, stressing that violence does not secure electoral victory.

He also described claims linking the party and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to rising political violence in the state as the handiwork of desperate politicians.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.

“Neither the party nor its candidate has any link with individuals or groups alleged to be using APC’s name to perpetrate violence and create unrest in the state,” he said.

He said that the APC was rooted on the timeless Omoluabi ethos which stands for integrity, discipline, humility, honesty, respect, compassion, justice, accountability and selfless service.”

The APC chieftain, who condemned the killing of innocent residents for political reasons, said those responsible were people with a “dead conscience.”

He further said, “The APC is a party of peace and has no hand in the allegations of violence against it.

We condemn every form of violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, regardless of the status of those involved. “No political ambition, no partisan interest is worth the loss of a life. We appeal to those who are committing these acts to stop.

“As a progressive party, the APC is committed to peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, tolerance, mutual respect, constructive engagement and people-centred leadership that prioritises the welfare, security and prosperity of citizens,” Oyintiloye added.

He maintained that the progressive family has never used violence or intimidation in its political activities.

He said that the APC had dissociated itself completely from any individual or group hiding under its name to perpetrate violence, create unrest, intimidate citizens or disrupt public peace in any part of the state.

Oyintiloye said the party believes in the democratic process, the rule of law and the sovereign right of the people to freely choose their leaders through peaceable and credible elections.

He cautioned that “anyone who seeks to cause mayhem, sponsor violence or use the APC’s name to justify criminal acts is acting in personal interest and should not be identified with the party.”

Such conduct is “inconsistent with the APC’s long-standing culture of moderation, civility and responsible political participation,” he said.

Oyintiloye then urged party members, political actors, security agencies and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while allowing relevant authorities to investigate all incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

He reiterated the commitment of the APC to democracy, peace, justice and protection of lives and property, urging all stakeholders to put the unity, stability and development of Osun State above politics.

He sympathised with the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence in the state and prayed that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

‘I’ll Consume, Destroy You’ – Ebonyi Governor, Wike’s Ally Clash

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‘I’ll Consume, Destroy You’ – Ebonyi Governor, Wike’s Ally Clash

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has rejected reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ceded political control of the state to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

APC member, Nwifuru spoke at a stakeholders’ rally in Abakaliki, the state capital, to endorse his re-election and President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The governor said some unnamed allies of Wike had been claiming that the President had handed over Ebonyi State to the FCT minister and his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Some people are going about saying that they discussed with President Tinubu and the president has given Ebonyi to PDP,” Nwifuru said.

“They said their leader is Nyesom Wike and that Wike said the president has given Ebonyi to him. And we say to them, ‘eeyaah!’”

Nwifuru however dismissed the alleged claim and maintained that Ebonyi was still firmly under the control of the APC.

He warned those behind the alleged plot not to underestimate the resolve of his administration and supporters.

“Now, I want to sound like this as your governor: It’s not scary. “We hold ourselves only because our people are with us,” he said.

“Don’t push us because we have all it takes to eat whoever is trying us, we have all it takes to destroy whoever is trying us.

“We are sending a message to them directly or indirectly that we are members of the All Progressives Congress and that’s where Ebonyi people belong,” the governor added.

“And whoever tries our mettle, it will be a very funny outcome for him.”

Nwifuru was flanked at the rally by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo.

Wike has yet to respond to the governor’s comments, but the PDP faction associated with him criticised Nwifuru’s remarks, describing them as reckless, inflammatory and a sign of desperation ahead of the 2027 election.

The Ebonyi governorship election would be decided by performance and not intimidation, the faction’s spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed, said during a press conference last Thursday at the party’s national secretariat.

“These unfortunate statements clearly show a governor who is increasingly worried about the prospect of being rejected by the people of Ebonyi State in 2027,” Mohammed said.

He called on Nwifuru to brace up to face the faction’s governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii at the poll.

Mohammed also called on security agencies and civil society organisations to take note of what he described as the governor’s “disturbing” remarks.

“If the governor genuinely wants to ‘consume’ the people of Ebonyi State, let him do it through visible developmental projects, effective governance and tangible improvements in their living conditions,” he stated.

But another faction of the PDP, led by Kabiru Turaki, supported Nwifuru’s comments.

In a statement, the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said the governor simply condemned what he called Wike’s alleged anti-party activities and political interference.

“Ememobong accused the FCT minister of interfering in political matters outside his official and geographical domain when he allegedly used the name of Tinubu.

He also alleged that Wike played a role in the ousting of former Ebonyi governor, Dave Umahi from the PDP.

The faction insisted that Alexander Eze is its governorship candidate in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 election.

SERAP Demands Probe Into Alleged N6.3bn Constituency Fund Spending

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SERAP Demands Probe Into Alleged N6.3bn Constituency Fund Spending

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas seven days to refer the allegations of diversion or failure to account for over N6.3 billion constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

In a letter dated June 27, 2026, addressed to the National Assembly, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, made the demand, stating that the organisation shall pursue all necessary legal actions to force the National Assembly to investigate the allegations contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.

“We would appreciate if the recommended measures are implemented within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. “SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest,” SERAP added.

The organisation called on the National Assembly leadership to make public the identities of contractors and companies that allegedly received constituency project funds without executing the projects, including the identities of their shareholders and beneficial owners.

“The allegations are against several federal ministries, departments and agencies including Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom; Federal Polytechnic, Udana; National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS),” he added.

SERAP said the Auditor-General’s report documented several cases of payments into private bank accounts, contracts awarded without due process, payments for contracts that were allegedly not executed or for services not rendered, undocumented expenditures, inflated contracts, procurement irregularities, and failure to account for public funds.

“According to the 2022 audited report contained in pages 367 to 396, the Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON or Council) Abuja paid over ‘N22 million [N22,944,565.16] into the private account of some members of staff of the Council from the Constituency Projects Fund Account. There ‘was no evidence of the utilisation of the funds and no explanations on the purpose for the payment of such amount into the individual accounts,” SERAP stated.

The organisation also alleged that the council awarded consultancy contracts worth over N12.03 million in 2021 for the development of modern abattoirs in Kebbi State and the supervision of seven projects in Kebbi, Jigawa and Abuja. The report, however, allegedly found no evidence that they were delivered, including bills of quantities and engineering designs.

“The money was to ‘produce bills of quantity, architectural design, structural design, mechanical design and electrical designs for the contracts and supervision. But the items could not be traced,” he added.

The Auditor-General also alleged that the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, paid over N279.7 million to three contractors for youth and women’s empowerment and vocational training projects in Niger and Plateau states in 2022 without supporting documentation, SERAP said.
The organisation added that the report also alleged that another N279.7 million was paid as mobilisation fees without documentation, while more than N629.4 million was disbursed to contractors who allegedly did not meet procurement requirements, with no evidence of due process or contract advertisements.

SERAP noted alleged irregularities at the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, including over N407 million paid as mobilisation fees without supporting documents, more than N399 million allegedly paid to unqualified contractors, contracts inflated by over N192 million, more than N279 million spent on projects that were not fully executed, N50 million allegedly paid for an unexecuted borehole project, and over N83 million disbursed without the required approvals and documentation.

The organization also accused NAPTIP of awarding contracts totaling more than N21.8 million in breach of procurement regulations, paying over N176.8 million for logistics and consultancy services without proper documentation, and allocating more than N94 million for projects that were allegedly never carried out.

SERAP also noted that the Auditor-General reported that NILDS failed to submit audited financial statements for 2012 to 2022, failed to remit over N15 million as stamp duties, and spent N1.6 million without approval of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Corruption in constituency projects denies poor and vulnerable Nigerians basic public services and development benefits, and erodes public confidence in government institutions, SERAP argued.

It urged the National Assembly to demonstrate leadership by ensuring accountability in the management of constituency project funds, adding that the allegations, if proven, would amount to violations of the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act 2007, all of which require transparency, accountability and due process in the management of public resources.

Plane Crash In France Claims Several Lives, Rescue Operations Underway

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Plane Crash In France Claims Several Lives, Rescue Operations Underway

At least 11 people are confirmed dead after a civilian aircraft crashed near the eastern French town of Tomblaine on Sunday.

The plane crashed near the airport in Tomblaine, prompting an emergency response and a security cordon around the crash site, authorities said.

Rescue and investigation teams started working and police requested people to stay away from the area.

The plane was part of a parachuting school and was carrying participants on a skydiving trip at the time of the crash, local media reported.

The prefecture said that all 11 people aboard died in the crash.

Among the victims were the pilot, five student skydivers and five instructors.

The French Interior Ministry said the country’s Interior Minister was en route to the scene of the crash to assess the situation and coordinate the government’s response.

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