President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what he described as a landmark breakthrough in dismantling a Nigerian–Mexican drug cartel and a sophisticated multi-million-dollar narcotics production network operating in the country.
The commendation follows the announcement by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), on Wednesday of a major operation that led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local collaborators and alleged kingpins, as well as the seizure of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at over $360 million.
In a statement Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the operation was the result of weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and strategic planning carried out by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, praised the agency’s professionalism and courage, describing the operation as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat organised drug crime.
“This successful operation demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.
He commended the NDLEA operatives for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum in confronting drug trafficking networks across the country.
Tinubu also warned that West Africa had increasingly become a major transit route in the global narcotics trade, with criminal networks exploiting the region for the movement of cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.
He noted that the drug trade poses both a serious security threat and a long-term danger to the future of young people, many of whom have become victims of substance abuse and trafficking.
The President called for a collective national response to the drug menace, stressing that the fight against illicit substances should not be left to the NDLEA alone.
“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs as a collective responsibility. Everyone has a role to play,” he said, urging citizens to report suspicious activities within their communities.
He added that the successful operation sends a clear message that security agencies will continue to act decisively against organised crime and will not tolerate activities that threaten national security.
“This landmark success is a strong message that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the full weight of the law,” Tinubu said.
