NDLEA Seeks Advanced Drug Detection Support from US-AFRICOM
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally requested advanced drug detection and forensic equipment from the United States Africa Command (US-AFRICOM) to enhance Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and its links to terrorism.
The request was made on Tuesday during a meeting between NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), and a delegation of senior AFRICOM officials at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.
Brig. Gen. Marwa highlighted the need for additional operational support, specifically scanning equipment at airports, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and trained sniffer dogs. He emphasized that these resources are crucial to disrupting drug networks that also finance terrorist and criminal activities.
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“We greatly appreciate the ongoing support from AFRICOM,” Marwa said. “Our achievements are a result of this collaboration with international partners and the encouragement of the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
Marwa urged AFRICOM to continue supporting NDLEA in light of the clear nexus between illicit drugs and terrorism.
Philip Esch, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM and leader of the delegation, praised the longstanding partnership between NDLEA and US-DEA, calling it vital to US government interests. Esch commended Marwa’s leadership, openness to international collaboration, and congratulated him on his recent five-year tenure renewal.
Another delegation member, James Elseth, reiterated the US commitment to supporting NDLEA, noting that the agency’s work significantly impacts Nigeria’s security and contributes to regional and international safety. He also praised NDLEA for properly maintaining US-provided equipment and revealed that two major support projects, including training programs, are already underway.
The NDLEA’s request coincided with AFRICOM’s announcement that US forces had recently delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing security operations.
By PRNigeria
