The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria, seizing an impressive 750 tons of illegal drugs over the last three years. This milestone was announced by the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, retired Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa, during the opening ceremony of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos. This state-of-the-art facility was funded by the British government, reflecting international support for Nigeria’s battle against drug trafficking.
Marwa emphasized the critical role that partnerships with other maritime law enforcement agencies have played in their success. By working closely with these agencies, the NDLEA has significantly increased drug seizures and arrests, particularly in Nigeria’s coastal and port areas. To date, 41 drug trafficking suspects have been arrested, and 15 of them have been successfully prosecuted and jailed.
“We have made notable progress since upgrading the Marine Unit to a full command in 2022,” Marwa stated. “Our balance sheet of arrests and drug seizures within the maritime space continues to show an upward trend. We are now better equipped to target and dismantle trafficking networks.”
The maritime sector has become a critical frontier in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, with traffickers increasingly using Nigeria’s vast waterways to smuggle illicit substances. According to Marwa, drug traffickers are adapting to law enforcement efforts by using personal boats, luxury yachts, modified fishing trawlers, and other vessels to transport narcotics. This shift highlights the increasing sophistication and determination of drug trafficking networks.
The types of drugs seized by the NDLEA in recent years have varied, including cocaine, tramadol, methamphetamine, codeine, and a potent strain of cannabis known as Loud. These drugs are often trafficked through West Africa, with Nigeria being a key transit country, especially for maritime routes.
To meet the growing challenges posed by maritime drug trafficking, the NDLEA upgraded its Marine Unit to a full-fledged command in 2022. This strategic move allowed the agency to scale up its operations at key ports and coastal regions, ensuring that they could intercept drug shipments more effectively. The new Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos is an important part of this upgrade, giving the NDLEA a stronger presence in the maritime domain.
The British government, a long-time supporter of Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, provided critical resources for the development of the headquarters. British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, who attended the inauguration ceremony, expressed the UK’s continued commitment to helping Nigeria curb drug trafficking and related crimes.
Drug trafficking in Nigeria is not an isolated problem—it is deeply connected to other serious threats, including organized crime, terrorism, and human trafficking. Marwa highlighted that drug trafficking is often part of larger criminal networks that extend far beyond Nigeria’s borders, posing a significant threat to national and international security.
To address these challenges, Marwa called for stronger and sustained collaboration between national and international security agencies. “Continuous cooperation is essential if we are to counter this growing threat,” he said. “Drug trafficking networks are evolving, and we must stay ahead of them.”
The problem of drug trafficking is not limited to Nigeria. West Africa as a whole has become a major hub for the illegal drug trade. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified the region as a key transit point for drugs being trafficked from South America and Asia to Europe and North America. Maritime routes, in particular, are frequently exploited by drug traffickers, making Nigeria’s coastal areas a focal point for international smuggling operations.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government, praised the NDLEA for its relentless efforts in keeping the state’s citizens safe from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. “The NDLEA’s role in securing our maritime borders and preventing the flow of illegal drugs is commendable,” said Salu-Hundeyin.
The success of the NDLEA in recent years is a testament to its strategic approach and the importance of international partnerships. With ongoing support from countries like the UK and the development of advanced facilities like the Marine Command Headquarters, the agency is better positioned to tackle the complex challenge of drug trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.
