Chairman, Chief executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Brig. General Buba Marwa(Rtd) says the anti graft Agency in 2024 seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrested over 18,500 drug trafficking offenders across the country with over 3,250 convicted including 10 drug barons.
Marwa who disclosed this Tuesday in lagos during the commissioning of the Central exhibit office donated by the United States government attributed the successes achieved so far to the support from foreign partners including the United States.
The NDLEA boss stressed that today’s commissioning is important in the history of Drug Law Enforcement in Nigeria and relationship with the people and government of the United States for their unwavering support to Nigeria in the fight against the menace of Abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.
He stated that” The United States has been a reliable allay in our efforts to combat Drug related Crimes. Your continued collaboration has been infinite, and it has boasted and enhanced our operational capabilities. Today am particularly pleased to acknowledge such gestures namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians ”
Marwa while appreciating the United States for the donation acknowledged the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence which he says is essential for the successful prosecution of drug related cases
He stated that”This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement, as it is an investment in the security and future of our nation. ”
Marwa stressed that despite the agency’s improved efforts against drug trafficking and abuse, the war is far from over and the agency is committed to surmount the challenge
He noted that the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted and as such requires continous collaboration and innovation adding that the Agency is pragmatic in their unending call for further support from international partners, key stakeholders and public spirited persons.
He noted that the agency seeks intervention in capacity building and enhanced training for officers, provision of technology especially for advance surveillance.
Marwa while commending the United States stated that” Over the years the American government has been supportive, today is a testament of their magnanimity. Our goal remains the protection of lives and promotion of a safer healthier World ”
The NDLEA Chairman pledged his commitment to accountability, transparency, effective Utilisation of the resources entrusted to the NDLEA.
On her part, the United States Acting Consul General Ms Jo Ellen Georg noted that before Independence Nigeria and US have been partners adding that the cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries is premised on the vibrancy of democracy.
The US consul General while highlighting the significance of the US’s government support for the NDLEA commended Marwa for taking advantage of such partnership to achieve tremendous results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.
She said “The efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs and instability. Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the US government through the U.S Africa command AFRICOM, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Administration DEA is honoured to handover a dedicated office space for the NDLEA. This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post arrest interviews ”
She noted that this donation is the latest example of robust and productive cooperation between the United States government and the NDLEA, adding that “In 2024, the US government invested half a million dollars to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA Zonal office here in Lagos. That upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting edge technology, which enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyse suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects”
She further disclosed that “Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of the Nigerian authorities to distrupt drug trafficking networks, to dismantle clandestine meth labs, and to conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs.”
Ellen Georg stated that the United States looks forward to deepening their collaboration with the Nigerian government and it’s agencies as they continue to combat narcotics to distrupt the flow of illegal drugs, especially synthetic drugs, as that will be better for country
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