NDLEA, US-DEA deepen partnership against narco-terrorism

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to combat drug trafficking networks and disrupt their links to terrorism and other organised crimes.

The commitment was made during a bilateral strategic counter-narcotics workshop held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described the workshop as timely and strategic, noting that it aims to align law enforcement priorities between Nigeria and the United States and produce a coordinated action plan for the next 12 months.

Marwa highlighted the growing nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, warning that proceeds from the drug trade are increasingly used to finance violent extremist groups. “By attacking the drug trade, we are simultaneously starving the engines of terrorism,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location has made it a target for international drug cartels, particularly as enforcement pressure intensifies in Latin America, leading traffickers to shift operations towards Africa. According to him, a significant proportion of drugs trafficked through Nigeria are destined for Europe, North America and Asia, underscoring the transnational dimension of the threat.

The NDLEA boss said the workshop provides an opportunity to deepen intelligence-driven operations, strengthen cooperation and develop a unified response to drug cartels. He added that the outcome would serve as a framework for joint operations, with Nigeria taking the lead within its jurisdiction while the United States supports coordinated efforts.

Marwa emphasised that the partnership is practical and results-oriented, urging participants to focus on actionable outcomes that will disrupt trafficking networks and enhance public safety.

In her remarks, the DEA Country Attaché in Nigeria, Ms. Daphne Morrison, commended NDLEA’s performance under Marwa’s leadership, describing recent seizures, arrests and convictions as evidence of the agency’s effectiveness.

Morrison said the workshop reflects a shared commitment to countering transnational criminal organisations and preventing Nigeria from becoming a major drug trafficking hub.

She noted that the collaboration will focus on strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing joint operations and providing training to equip NDLEA personnel to tackle evolving drug trafficking challenges.

The strength of our partnership lies in our shared responsibility and collective action,” she said, urging participants to develop practical and innovative strategies to secure communities in both countries.

Our correspondent, Zainab Uzomah, reported that the workshop is expected to produce a joint declaration of priorities and a coordinated action plan to guide operations over the next year.