The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat drug trafficking networks and disrupt their links to terrorism financing. This commitment was made during a bilateral strategic counter-narcotics workshop held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, emphasized the strategic and timely nature of the workshop, aimed at aligning law enforcement priorities between Nigeria and the United States. He highlighted the well-established nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, noting that drug proceeds have become a major source of financing for terrorist networks and violent extremist groups worldwide.
Marwa stated that Nigeria, given its strategic geographic location, is increasingly being targeted by international drug trafficking organizations. He noted that the workshop presents a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration, enhance intelligence-driven operations, and build a unified front against drug cartels and their associated criminal networks.
The DEA Country Attaché, Ms. Daphne Morrison, acknowledged the tremendous successes recorded by NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership and reaffirmed the US DEA’s commitment to the partnership. She emphasized the strength of the partnership lies in shared responsibility and collective action.
The workshop aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance joint operations, and provide training to empower NDLEA operatives to tackle complex modern challenges.
