NDLEA, US DEA Pledge Stronger Partnership in Nigeria’s Anti-Drug War
…DEA pledges further support in training, special joint operations
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening existing cooperation.
This resolution emerged during a courtesy visit by the newly posted Country Attaché of the US DEA to Nigeria, Ms Daphne Morrison, to the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 23rd May 2025.
The meeting, which took place with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), highlighted the deepening partnership between the two agencies in tackling the global menace of illicit drugs.
According to Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Ms Morrison underscored the importance of sustained collaboration, praising the productive relationship already built over the years.
“I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together. And thank you so much for your support over the years, and we’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you,” Ms Morrison said.
She further revealed that plans are underway to organise additional training programmes specifically targeted at officers and personnel in the NDLEA’s Special Operations Units. She also hinted at upcoming joint operations between the DEA and NDLEA in key strategic areas that have already been identified.
In his response, Brig Gen Marwa warmly welcomed the new Country Attaché and expressed confidence in her leadership, noting the consistent support from her predecessors.
“They’ve been very, very supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will be the same, if not better, with you,” Marwa remarked.
He went on to brief Ms Morrison on the ongoing transformation within the NDLEA, including an increase in workforce strength, the expansion of both operational and administrative structures, and major strides recorded in drug supply reduction and demand reduction initiatives.
Marwa acknowledged the DEA’s continued assistance over the years, especially in the provision of equipment, specialised training, and collaboration on joint operations. While refraining from making immediate demands, the NDLEA boss expressed hope for even greater cooperation going forward.
“I think we would welcome much more support but because this being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands or requests, but just to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving,” he stated.
The meeting marks a renewed chapter in the collaboration between the NDLEA and the US DEA as both agencies intensify efforts to curb the spread and impact of illicit drugs within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
