Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Alliance to Crush Drug Trafficking Networks

…NDLEA, GDNC Sign Landmark MoU to Deepen Intelligence Sharing, Joint Operations

In a landmark move to combat transnational drug trafficking, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to intensify their operational partnership and dismantle criminal drug networks operating between the two countries.

The agreement, signed on Monday, 7th April 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, outlines several strategic initiatives, including intelligence exchange, joint investigations, shared data on convicted drug offenders, the provision of operational logistics, and access to the GDNC’s training academy for NDLEA personnel.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), led Nigeria’s delegation to the signing ceremony alongside the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Sule Ningi.

Speaking at the event, Marwa hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, describing the partnership as “a reinforcement of the frontline of law enforcement against global drug trafficking networks.”

“Today marks a particularly significant milestone—one that has been long overdue and holds immense importance for both our nations. It symbolises the culmination of our strong relationship, especially between our respective anti-narcotics agencies,” Marwa declared.

He stressed the growing global threat of illicit drug trafficking and abuse, noting that it transcends geographical and ideological boundaries.

“Whether in the East or West, North or South, drug trafficking and abuse pose a shared threat to humanity. Addressing this crisis requires setting aside artificial differences and working together in unity,” he said.

Marwa acknowledged that both countries have a longstanding history of cooperation in narcotics control, with nearly two decades of collaboration involving intelligence sharing and joint enforcement.

He highlighted recent achievements of the NDLEA, stating, “In the last four years alone, we have made over 57,792 arrests, including 65 drug barons, leading to the seizure of more than 10 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs. We have also recorded the conviction of over 10,572 offenders, while 22,047 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated across our 33 treatment centres.”

The NDLEA boss also reflected on previous successful collaborations between the two nations, citing numerous drug-related arrests at Nigerian airports such as Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

Between 12th November 2007 and 15th January 2025, a total of 44 suspects were apprehended in 35 drug-related cases involving outbound flights to Saudi Arabia.

He also highlighted a key intelligence-led operation in 2021 which resulted in the interception of 74.12kg of Captagon opioids at Apapa Port in Lagos.

“The shipment, which originated from Syria, was under surveillance for five months before it was intercepted, marking the first known Captagon bust in Africa,” Marwa noted.

Furthermore, he recounted the coordinated efforts between the two countries in August 2023, when three Nigerian women—Zulaihat Adam, Binta Nasidi, and Rashidat Abdullahi—were arrested in Jeddah.

NDLEA’s swift response led to the apprehension of their collaborators in Nigeria, effectively dismantling the trafficking network.

While praising Saudi Arabia’s previous support, Marwa appealed for expanded assistance in training, logistics, and technical support to bolster NDLEA’s ongoing operations.

In his remarks, the Director General of the GDNC, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed satisfaction that the MoU had finally been signed after over three years of dialogue.

He lauded Marwa and the NDLEA team for their dedication and commitment to the global fight against illicit drug trafficking.

“We are proud to formalise this partnership today. The Kingdom is committed to upholding the terms of this agreement and providing further support to NDLEA,” Major General Al-Qarni affirmed.

The ceremony was marked by the signing of the MoU by both agency heads and the presentation of a commemorative souvenir by Marwa to Al-Qarni, symbolising the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust that underpins this international alliance.