President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for breaking up a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel and dismantling a sophisticated illegal drug production operation in the country. The breakthrough, disclosed by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) on Wednesday, was the result of weeks of intelligence-led work carried out with support from international partners.
The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins, and other collaborators, and the recovery of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360 million. Tinubu described the outcome as a demonstration of professionalism and resolve, commending the operatives for their courage in protecting communities from the harm caused by narcotics. He urged the agency to sustain its efforts against drug trafficking networks.
Highlighting West Africa’s growing role as a transit route for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals, the President said the trade poses serious security and social risks, especially for young people. He called on citizens to partner with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity, stressing that the fight against illicit drugs is a collective responsibility. According to Tinubu, the successful operation sends a strong signal that Nigeria will not tolerate organized crime and will hold offenders accountable.
