Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening international cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime, following the graduation of officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, said the growing sophistication and cross-border reach of criminal syndicates demand stronger global collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations.
Marwa noted that organised crime networks no longer operate within isolated jurisdictions, making coordinated international responses indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and allied criminal enterprises.
The ceremony, held at the DEA’s elite training facility in Quantico, brought together law enforcement officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme aimed at enhancing investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. The participants underwent advanced training designed to strengthen their capacity to combat complex trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the graduation as significant, Marwa said the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who lost their lives in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose sacrifice continues to inspire anti-narcotics agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” the NDLEA boss said it encapsulates the collective resolve of partner countries to confront the global drug threat through unified, intelligence-driven strategies.
He expressed confidence that the expertise acquired would enhance the operational effectiveness of the graduating officers and charged them to apply their training with professionalism, integrity and courage upon returning home.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their sustained support and investment in capacity development.
He emphasised that the graduation marks the beginning of renewed responsibility for the officers, urging them to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminal networks that threaten societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that collaboration between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding lasting gains in the shared global campaign against illicit drugs and organised crime.
