NDLEA, Australian Police Sign MoU to Combat Transnational Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated efforts against transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria–Australia route.

The agreement formalises existing cooperation between the two agencies into a structured strategic alliance aimed at disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 2 November 2026, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the agreement as a declaration of war against international drug cartels.

Marwa said the partnership would make it increasingly difficult for criminal organisations to exploit geographical boundaries and international routes to move illicit substances between Nigeria, Australia and other countries.

He expressed confidence that combining the AFP’s international reach with the NDLEA’s operational capacity would make the Nigeria–Australia drug corridor hostile and unprofitable for traffickers.

He said: “This MoU being signed today will lead to major joint seizures, arrests of high-value targets and successful controlled deliveries.

“It is a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels that think they can hide between continents. With the AFP’s global reach and NDLEA’s operational doggedness, I am confident that we will make the Australia–Nigeria drug route extremely hostile and unprofitable for traffickers.”

Under the agreement, both agencies will collaborate in four major areas: the exchange of information and intelligence, joint and coordinated operations, capacity building and professional development, as well as controlled delivery operations.

Marwa said the agreement had become necessary given the increasing sophistication and international character of drug trafficking networks, noting that Nigerian organised criminal groups were becoming increasingly connected to the Australia–Pacific drug route.

According to him, Nigeria was being exploited as both a transit and sourcing hub for illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, making stronger international cooperation imperative.

He stressed that no country could effectively confront the growing threat of transnational drug trafficking in isolation, adding that the MoU would provide an institutional framework for more coordinated enforcement activities.

The NDLEA chairman cited several recent operations that demonstrated the scale of the threat and the importance of international partnerships.

Among them was the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for export, as well as the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories in recent months, some of which had Mexican nationals embedded in their operations.

He disclosed that one of the laboratory operations resulted in seizures valued at more than $360 million.

Marwa also highlighted the dismantling of a Switzerland-based drug cartel allegedly operated by a Nigerian, Simon Amadi, following more than a year of collaborative investigations involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alongside French, Greek and Swiss police authorities.

He said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained international cooperation in identifying and dismantling sophisticated criminal networks, adding that the cartel’s assets in Nigeria had also been targeted.

The NDLEA boss expressed optimism that the new partnership with Australia would produce similar operational successes through intelligence-led investigations, coordinated arrests and the disruption of drug supply chains.

In her remarks, the head of the Australian Federal Police delegation, Ms Sandra Booth, described drug trafficking as a whole-of-society problem requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response involving law enforcement agencies, governments and communities.

She commended the NDLEA for adopting an approach that addresses the entire drug problem, from prevention and public awareness to investigation and enforcement.

Booth also praised the international relationships established by the Nigerian agency, many of which involve countries already working closely with the AFP, describing the new partnership as a force multiplier in the global fight against illicit drug trafficking.

She warned that organised criminal groups were increasingly using proceeds from drug trafficking to finance other serious crimes through what she described as a ‘crime as a service’ model.

According to her, the criminal networks recruit young and vulnerable people to carry out various activities, including drug deliveries, transportation and violent attacks against rival groups.

She explained that the consequences of the illicit drug trade extended beyond addiction and its devastating impact on families, noting that it was also contributing to increased violence, gang-related conflicts and deaths in Australia.

Booth observed that while Nigeria largely served as a transit country for drugs, Australia was a destination market where traffickers could make substantial financial returns from the illicit trade.

“Whilst Nigeria is a transit country, we are a destination country. And unfortunately for us, people will pay a lot of money for the commodity,” she said.

She said the Australian government was committed to working with Nigeria to prevent illicit drugs from reaching its territory, protect young people and vulnerable communities, and weaken the criminal organisations responsible for the trade.

Emphasising the importance of collective action, Booth said effective enforcement required commitment, integrity and a united approach among international law enforcement agencies.

“It is so absolutely necessary that we work together as a team, that we are forceful, that we are committed, that we show integrity, and we hunt as a pack. And I am very proud that we can now be part of your pack,” she stated.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda; Deputy High Commissioner, Timothy Milikan; and other members of the AFP delegation, including Andrea Humphrys and Susan Gray.

Senior officials of the NDLEA management were also present at the event.