The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is set to deepen its international offensive against illicit drug trafficking through a strategic partnership with Egypt, with plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), stated this Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, during a courtesy visit.
Marwa described the proposed agreement as a major step towards strengthening institutional cooperation between both countries in tackling the growing threat of drug trafficking and substance abuse across Africa.
He noted that the global nature of the illicit drug trade requires sustained collaboration among nations, adding that no country is immune from the menace.
“The drug problem is a global challenge. Nowhere is untouched. The drug menace is everywhere in the world, and it is for this reason that we have this kind of collaboration,” Marwa said.
He highlighted NDLEA’s existing partnerships with leading international law enforcement agencies, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), UK Border Force, the French Police, the German Criminal Police and India’s Narcotics Control Bureau.
He said the planned partnership with Egypt will further strengthen Africa’s collective response to organised drug trafficking networks.
“We are very excited that we’re going to collaborate with Egypt through an MoU. Drug cartels are increasingly seeking alternative routes into Africa due to pressure in other regions, and we must remain united to push them out of our continent,” he said.
Marwa also cited recent operational breakthroughs by the agency, including the dismantling of two major methamphetamine laboratories operated by Mexican drug syndicates in Nigeria.