Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), met with a delegation of senior U.S. Africa Command officials, who promised the agency continued support and increased collaboration in the battle against illegal drugs.
The discussion, which reportedly took place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, was centered on the long-standing cooperation between NDLEA and US officials.
The group emphasized readiness to strengthen the partnership to combat drug trafficking and related crimes, while also praising the current level of cooperation.
The partnership between NDLEA and the US-DEA is crucial to the US government, according to Philip Esch, the team leader and the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s liaison to AFRICOM.
The agency appreciates Marwa’s leadership style and his willingness to collaborate with foreign partners, he said, and the US anticipates further cooperation after his tenure is renewed.
James Elseth, another delegation member, stated that the US was happy to back NDLEA due to the organization’s influence both inside and outside of Nigeria.
He clarified how NDLEA’s efforts support broader regional and international security, pointing out that the organization’s broad perspective is consistent with those of international law enforcement organizations fighting organized crime.
Elseth also commended NDLEA for effectively preserving facilities and equipment that the US government has previously donated.
He disclosed that two significant support initiatives were already in progress and would supplement the agency’s current training initiatives and other forms of help.
In response, Marwa expressed gratitude to the group for their visit and appreciated US AFRICOM’s consistent support of NDLEA over the years.
Additionally, he commended Esch for his lengthy and devoted service to the US government.
According to Marwa, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and help from international partners have enabled the NDLEA to make the progress it has.
He emphasized the connection between drug trafficking and terrorism and called for additional support in areas like sniffer dogs, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and airport scanning machines.
The summit underlined the parties’ commitment to enhancing collaboration in tackling drug-related risks and enhancing security both in Nigeria and throughout the region.
