Nigeria, US Strengthen Partnership to Combat Narco-Terrorism

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have renewed their commitment to deepen operational collaboration aimed at dismantling international drug cartels and cutting off funding sources for terrorism and other organised crimes.

The renewed partnership was reaffirmed during a bilateral strategic counter-narcotics workshop held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening session, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Maj. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), described the workshop as both strategic and timely, noting that it brings together law enforcement leadership from Nigeria and the United States to address evolving global drug threats.

According to him, the meeting is expected to produce a joint declaration of priorities and a coordinated action plan for the next 12 months aimed at tackling illicit drug trafficking and related crimes.

“Our shared objective is to engage in frank, solution-driven discussions that will culminate in a joint declaration of shared priorities and a coordinated action plan for the next 12 months,” Marwa said.

He warned that the global drug trade has grown increasingly complex and now has strong links with terrorism and violent extremism, a phenomenon widely referred to as narco-terrorism.

Marwa explained that proceeds from illicit drug trafficking are often used by criminal groups to fund terrorist activities and procure weapons that destabilise communities.

“The proceeds from the poison sold on our streets are the same funds used to purchase the weapons that destabilise our regions. By attacking the drug trade, we are simultaneously starving the engines of terrorism,” he stated.

The NDLEA boss also noted that Nigeria’s strategic geographic location has made it a key target for international drug trafficking organisations.

He said recent enforcement pressure on drug cartels in Latin America has forced many of the criminal networks to shift their operations towards Africa, with Nigeria increasingly being used as a transit hub for drugs destined for Europe, North America and Asia.

According to him, the development underscores the transnational nature of the threat and highlights the urgent need for stronger international cooperation.

Marwa said the workshop offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration, strengthen intelligence-driven operations and build a unified front against drug trafficking networks and their associated criminal enterprises.

He also expressed appreciation to the United States government for its continued support to Nigeria in the fight against drug trafficking.

“The key output of this workshop will be a clearly defined framework for cooperation in which Nigeria will take leadership in executing agreed action points within its jurisdiction while the United States reinforces coordinated action against our common threats,” he added.

In her remarks, the Country Attaché of the DEA in Nigeria, Daphne Morrison, commended the NDLEA for the progress recorded under Marwa’s leadership.

She said the agency’s record-breaking seizures, arrests and convictions in recent years demonstrate its commitment to tackling drug trafficking and abuse.

“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous strides NDLEA has made under the leadership of Chairman Marwa. The record-breaking seizures, arrests and convictions over the past few years are a testament to his dedication,” Morrison said.

She described the partnership between both agencies as critical in confronting transnational criminal organisations attempting to turn Nigeria into a major drug trafficking hub.

According to her, the workshop aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance joint operations and provide training to equip NDLEA operatives with the capacity to address modern drug trafficking challenges.

“Our goal is to ensure that collaboration between the DEA and NDLEA remains proactive, seamless and results-driven in disrupting drug financial networks and targeting high-level traffickers,” she said.

Morrison added that the strength of the partnership lies in shared responsibility and collective action, urging participants to develop innovative strategies that would help protect communities and enhance security in both countries.

Officials from both sides expressed optimism that outcomes from the workshop would translate into stronger operational cooperation, improved intelligence exchange and more effective actions against international drug trafficking networks.