President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the bust of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and dismantling of a multi-million-dollar drug network.
Tinubu called the operation a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against organised crime, narcotics trafficking and transborder criminal networks.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), was said to have made the disclosure on Wednesday after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.
The operation was conducted by NDLEA operatives and international security partners.
The agency said the operation led to the arrest of some foreign nationals, local kingpins and several collaborators.
More than $360m worth of chemicals and illicit drugs were also seized during the exercise.
According to Tinubu, the successful operation was a testament to the professionalism, courage and commitment of NDLEA officers involved in the mission.
The President commended the operatives for their resilience, but cautioned them against relaxing in the fight against drug trafficking.
“ I commend the bravery, resilience and dedication shown by NDLEA operatives throughout this mission.
“I tell them not to be complacent in facing the menace of drug trafficking,” the President said.
It had send a strong message that Nigeria would not allow drug barons and organized criminal groups to operate freely within its territory, Tinubu added.
The President also raised an alarm that West Africa has increasingly become a major transit route for illicit drugs.
He said drug barons were using the region to ship cocaine, synthetic narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products to Europe and North America.
“West Africa has become a major hotspot in the global fight against narcotics, with drug barons using our region as a transit point for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Tinubu said the development had serious implications for national and regional security.
Drug trafficking networks, he said, often drive organised crime, corruption and violence across borders.
‘Drugs Endanger Future of Youth’
Tinubu also warned that illegal drugs are serious threats to the youth in the region.
He said many youths had fallen victims of addiction and criminal exploitation due to the activities of drug trafficking networks.
“Drugs are not only a critical security threat for our region, but they are also a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” the President said.
Therefore, the fight against narcotics should not be seen as a security operation only but also as a national duty to protect the future generation, he added.
He urged Nigerians to assist the security agencies by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
“The fight against illicit drugs should not be the NDLEA alone,” he said.
“I urge all Nigerians to consider the war against illicit drugs as not the NDLEA’s alone.
“Everyone has a part to play. We should be alert and report any suspicious activities immediately,” he said.
“Timely information coming from citizens can help unearth criminal operations and illegal trafficking networks across the country,” the President said.
Tinubu said the recent success by the NDLEA showed that Nigeria’s security agencies were ready to take on organised crime and enforce the law.
Those involved in crime that threatens public safety would be put to justice, he said.
“This landmark success sends a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country and that those who threaten public safety will face the law,” Tinubu said.
The President gave the assurance that his administration would continue to support the NDLEA and the security agencies to reduce drug trafficking, protect communities and improve national security.
