France Commends NDLEA’s Anti-Narcotics Successes, Donates Operational Equipment to Boost Operations

… Marwa Hails Nigeria-French Partnership, Seeks Further Collaboration

The French government has lauded the operational successes of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating illicit drug trafficking, highlighting the agency’s impressive arrest and conviction rates.

This commendation was made by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier, during the handover of operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 13th March 2025.

Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the NDLEA’s remarkable achievements in drug enforcement, noting that the agency had recorded over 57,792 arrests, 9.9 million kilograms of drug seizures, and 10,572 convictions within the past four years.

He underscored that these accomplishments positioned Nigeria as a leading force in the global fight against illicit drugs and established a strong foundation for deepened cooperation between France and Nigeria.

“You are one of the best in the world in terms of fighting illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give the NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, and high rates of convictions. As such, we can learn valuable lessons from you while you also benefit from our expertise,” Ambassador Fonbaustier stated.

Receiving the donation, Brig Gen Marwa expressed his gratitude to the French government for its support, emphasising the strategic importance of the equipment in strengthening the NDLEA’s operational capacity.

“Nigeria and France have been good partners, especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France. This donation will significantly enhance our ability to combat drug trafficking and related crimes,” Marwa remarked.

Marwa further highlighted the need for specialised training in investigation and cyber transactions, calling for enhanced technical cooperation between both nations.

He also reiterated the importance of France’s support for the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Project, which aims to encourage cannabis farmers to transition to cultivating alternative crops.

The ceremony marks another milestone in the growing partnership between Nigeria and France in the global effort to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.