NDLEA Lauds US Support in Major Crackdowns on Illicit Drug-Dealing Cartels
…As Marwa Commissions Lagos Facility
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes, citing its recent operational milestones as proof of its efficacy.
Speaking at the commissioning of a new central exhibit office donated by the United States government at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos, Marwa expressed gratitude for the enduring collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
The event, held on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, marked another milestone in the agency’s partnership with the US.
The new facility, handed over by the US Consulate General, Ms Jo Ellen Georg, provides a secure and efficient environment for handling evidence critical to prosecuting drug-related offences.
In his address, Marwa highlighted the successes achieved in 2024, which include the seizure of over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, the arrest of 18,500 offenders, and the conviction of 3,250 individuals, including 10 high-profile drug barons.
Additionally, 220 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed, and over 8,200 individuals were counselled and rehabilitated, underscoring the agency’s balanced approach to drug supply and demand reduction.
“Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the donation of this office for our central exhibit custodians,” Marwa said. “This contribution will strengthen our operational framework and set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and future of our nations.”
While celebrating these achievements, Marwa acknowledged the complexities of the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, describing the challenges as “dynamic and multifaceted.”
He called for sustained support and innovation from international partners like the US, emphasising the need for advanced surveillance technology, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for NDLEA personnel.
“Our shared goal remains the protection of lives and the promotion of a safer, healthier world. Every donation inspires confidence in the agency and, by extension, resilience, hard work, and dedication among our workforce,” Marwa said, while also extending specific gratitude to Mr Robert Bascoe, the US DEA attaché in Nigeria, for his efforts in facilitating such partnerships.
In her remarks, Ms Jo Ellen Georg, the US acting Consul General, commended Marwa for leveraging US support to enhance NDLEA operations.
She described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as deeply rooted in shared democratic values and praised the agency’s progress in disrupting drug trafficking networks and dismantling clandestine methamphetamine labs.
“This new office space will provide NDLEA officers with a secure environment to conduct investigations, process arrestees, and perform post-arrest interviews,” Georg said.
She also highlighted the US government’s $500,000 investment in modernising NDLEA’s chemical forensic laboratory in Lagos, equipping it with cutting-edge technology to analyse suspicious substances and process evidence.
The US government’s sustained support, she noted, aligns with the mutual objective of countering crime and instability across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of Nigerian authorities to combat narcotics and synthetic drugs, making both our societies safer,” Georg added.
