By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to global cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) graduated from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made the declaration on Friday, 13 February 2026, during the graduation ceremony at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Training Academy.
In a statement signed by the Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa described the ceremony as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign and called for a reinforced global offensive against transnational organised crime. He stressed that the increasing sophistication of criminal networks demands an equally robust, coordinated and intelligence-driven response from law enforcement agencies worldwide.
“The evolving sophistication of criminal networks demands a corresponding surge in law enforcement collaboration,” he stated, urging stronger multilateral partnerships to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates that operate across borders.
Marwa noted that the graduation held special significance as the course was dedicated to members of the Sensitive Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage, sacrifice and steadfast commitment to justice continue to inspire law enforcement personnel across nations.
Highlighting the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” the NDLEA boss said it encapsulates the collective resolve of partner nations in confronting transnational organised crime. According to him, criminal enterprises do not recognise national boundaries and therefore require a unified and strategic global counterforce.
The intensive training programme brought together elite officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, equipping them with advanced operational skills across critical areas of drug law enforcement. Marwa expressed confidence that the knowledge and expertise gained at the academy would significantly strengthen the operational capacity of participating agencies to disrupt trafficking networks and dismantle organised criminal cartels within the region.
He charged the graduating officers to deploy their newly acquired competencies with integrity, professionalism, courage and a deep sense of responsibility upon their return home. He emphasised that the ceremony marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed obligation to uphold the highest standards of service, protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their steadfast partnership, mentorship and sustained investment in capacity building.
Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation, he said the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to grow stronger, delivering sustained gains in the shared global fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
