By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking and disrupt its link to terrorism financing.

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

Speaking at the opening session, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the workshop as both timely and strategic, noting that it aims to align enforcement priorities between Nigeria and the United States.

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

He warned of the growing global threat posed by the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism, stressing that proceeds from illicit drugs are increasingly being used to fund violent extremism.

“This dangerous linkage, often described as narco-terrorism, poses a grave threat to global peace and security. By attacking the drug trade, we are also starving the engines of terrorism,” he added.

Marwa further noted that Nigeria’s strategic location has made it a major transit hub for international drug cartels, especially as enforcement pressure intensifies in Latin America.

“Recent developments show that criminal networks are shifting operations towards Africa, with Nigeria becoming a key transit point for drugs destined for Europe, North America, and Asia,” he said, underscoring the need for coordinated international action.

He expressed confidence that the workshop would deepen intelligence sharing, enhance joint operations, and produce a clear framework for collaboration, with Nigeria taking the lead in implementing agreed action points within its jurisdiction.

In her remarks, the US-DEA Country Attaché, Daphne Morrison, commended the NDLEA for its achievements under Marwa’s leadership, describing them as a testament to dedication and operational success.

“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous strides NDLEA has made. The record-breaking seizures, arrests, and convictions in recent years reflect the effectiveness of its anti-drug campaign,” she said.

Morrison emphasized that the workshop represents more than a routine engagement, describing it as a unified stance against transnational criminal organisations seeking to exploit Nigeria as a drug trafficking hub.

“Our goal is to ensure seamless, proactive collaboration focused on disrupting drug financial networks and targeting high-level operatives,” she stated.

She added that the partnership would focus on strengthening intelligence sharing, expanding joint operations, and providing advanced training to equip NDLEA personnel to tackle evolving threats.

Both officials stressed that the outcome of the workshop would serve as a roadmap for intensified operations in 2026, aimed at dismantling drug cartels and safeguarding communities in both countries.

They also called on participants to leverage the platform to develop actionable strategies that will enhance enforcement capabilities and ensure sustained success in the fight against illicit drugs and associated crimes.