The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Buba Marwa has said the increased security and anti-narcotics operation has made smuggling of illicit substances through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport very difficult.
Marwa said Lagos airport is one of the most watched airports in the world in the war against drug trafficking.
He said this on Tuesday at the headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, on a study visit on the operational strategies of the agency.
Stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is crucial in tackling the escalating threat from drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the West African region, according to Marwa.
“We understand that when we come together to share expertise on intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are cutting down the space for criminal cartels to operate in our sub-region”, he said.
He said the visit was not just a routine study tour but part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between the two anti-drug agencies.
The engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices, Marwa said.
He said that improved cooperation would enhance efforts to break up illicit drug networks, cut production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.
The visit witnessed NDLEA and NACOC signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to formalise cooperation between the two agencies.
Marwa described the agreement as a major step towards boosting coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating in the region.
“This agreement on the fight against illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors and connected money laundering activities gives us a legal and operational road map. It elevates our relationship from informal consultation to a formal, aggressive and unified front against drug barons,” he said.
In his remarks, Mantey said the visit was meant to strengthen the existing relationship between both countries and enhance operational cooperation.
“This visit is not for us to open a new chapter, but to further strengthen an already solid foundation, deepen trust, exchange experiences and make our collaboration even more practical and impactful,” he said.
He also said the drug trafficking operations in the region are becoming more sophisticated and require increased cross-border cooperation to effectively address the emerging threats.
