The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has announced that the agency’s enhanced capacity within the maritime space is set to further clamp down on drug barons and cartels, as evidenced by recent arrests and seizures on waterways and seaports.
Marwa made this statement during the commissioning of the new NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos on October 16, 2024. The state-of-the-art facility was built and donated by the British Government as part of ongoing international support for Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.
In his speech, Marwa expressed gratitude to the British High Commission for its steadfast support, highlighting previous collaborations, including similar facilities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and various capacity-building initiatives. He acknowledged that maritime routes have long been exploited by drug traffickers due to the complexity of maritime laws, stressing that the new Marine Command Headquarters is crucial in strengthening NDLEA’s operational efficiency.
“We did not make a mistake when, in 2022, we upgraded the Marine Unit to a full-fledged command,” Marwa stated. “Our balance sheet of arrests and drug seizures within the maritime space continues to rise, with 61,688.79 kg of drugs seized and 41 suspects arrested—15 of whom have been prosecuted and jailed.”
The NDLEA’s partnership with other maritime law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and Customs Service, has resulted in major breakthroughs in combating drug smuggling. Marwa underscored the importance of continuous collaboration, particularly in light of the growing use of merchant ships, luxury yachts, and fishing trawlers in drug trafficking.
British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Jonny Baxter, speaking at the event, commended the NDLEA’s efforts and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating drug trafficking, noting that joint efforts have yielded increased detections and disruptions of criminal networks.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Abimbola Salu Hundeyin emphasized the importance of NDLEA’s presence in Lagos and the role of international cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes, especially in coastal areas.
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