NDLEA, US Drug Agency Deepen Partnership to Combat Narco-Terrorism
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking and its link to terrorism.
The commitment was made during a joint strategic counter-narcotics workshop held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the workshop as timely and strategic, noting that it aims to align law enforcement priorities between Nigeria and the United States in addressing evolving drug-related threats.
He said the initiative would foster solution-driven discussions and lead to the development of a coordinated action plan and shared priorities for the next 12 months.
Marwa highlighted the growing global concern over the nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, stressing that proceeds from drug trade are increasingly being used to finance violent extremist groups.
“By attacking illicit drug trade, we are simultaneously starving the engines of terrorism,” he said, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to global peace and security.
He further noted that Nigeria’s strategic geographic position has made it a target for international drug trafficking networks, particularly as enforcement pressure intensifies in Latin America, pushing criminal groups to shift operations in Africa.
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According to him, a significant volume of illicit drugs transiting through Nigeria is destined for markets in Europe, North America, and Asia, underscoring the transnational nature of the threat and the need for coordinated international action.
Marwa said the workshop provides a critical platform to deepen intelligence-sharing, enhance joint operations, and strengthen collaboration in dismantling drug cartels and associated criminal networks.
He emphasized that the outcome of the engagement would serve as a guiding framework for operations over the coming year, with Nigeria taking a leading role in implementing agreed action points within its jurisdiction.
Also speaking, the DEA Country Attaché in Nigeria, Daphne Morrison, commended the NDLEA for its achievements under Marwa’s leadership, describing recent record-breaking seizures, arrests, and convictions as a testament to the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.
Morrison said the workshop reflects a renewed commitment by both countries to confront transnational criminal organisations seeking to exploit Nigeria as a drug trafficking hub.
She noted that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening intelligence-sharing, improving joint operations, and enhancing training for NDLEA personnel to tackle increasingly complex drug-related crimes.
“The strength of our partnership lies in our shared responsibility and collective action,” she said, calling on participants to develop innovative and actionable strategies to safeguard communities and strengthen security in both countries.
The workshop is expected to produce a comprehensive framework for cooperation, reinforcing operational synergy between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
The statement was issued by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on March 31, 2026.
By PRNigeria
