…as US Drug agency lists training, special joint operations as areas of further support to NDLEA
By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to intensify the global war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with renewed focus on joint operations, capacity building, and intelligence sharing.
Director, Media & Advocacy Femi BabaFemi in an official signed statement disclosed that the commitment was the outcome of a high-level meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the newly deployed Country Attaché of the US-DEA to Nigeria, Ms. Daphne Morrison.
During her courtesy visit, Ms. Morrison underscored the importance of continuity in the strong relationship that has long existed between the two agencies. “I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together,” she said. “Thank you so much for your support over the years, and we’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you.”
Morrison noted that efforts are already underway to organise further specialised training for officers and personnel of NDLEA’s Special Operations Units. She added that the DEA is also looking forward to executing a series of joint operations with the NDLEA in priority areas already mapped out by both agencies.
Responding, Brig Gen Marwa welcomed the new Country Attaché and praised the historical depth and impact of the partnership between NDLEA and the DEA. “Your predecessors were very, very supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will be the same, if not even better, with you,” he remarked.
Marwa took the opportunity to brief the DEA official on the recent evolution of the NDLEA, including the significant increase in its workforce, expansion of operational and administrative infrastructure, and notable achievements in both drug supply and demand reduction.
He further acknowledged the long-standing support provided by the DEA, especially in terms of equipment donations, technical training, and collaboration on strategic joint operations. “We have received so much support from the DEA over the years, and we’re truly appreciative,” he said. “I think we would welcome much more support, but because this being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands or requests. I just want to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving.”
The visit signals a renewed momentum in the NDLEA-DEA partnership, which both sides believe is essential to combating transnational drug networks and safeguarding public health and security. With Nigeria serving as a key operational hub in the global counter-narcotics framework, continued US support is expected to further enhance NDLEA’s enforcement and intelligence capabilities.
Both officials reaffirmed their agencies’ commitment to collaborative action, rooted in shared goals of dismantling drug cartels, disrupting trafficking routes, and strengthening institutional frameworks for prevention, rehabilitation, and prosecution.
As Nigeria continues to scale up its national drug control strategy under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA remains a critical player in the regional and global fight against illicit drugs one that the US-DEA remains firmly committed to supporting.
