A high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and across the region.
The delegation, led by Mr Philip Esch, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) liaison to AFRICOM, met on Tuesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), to review existing partnerships and explore new areas of collaboration.
Mr Esch described the relationship between AFRICOM and NDLEA as vital to international and regional security, commending the agency’s leadership, professionalism and operational effectiveness. He noted that NDLEA’s efforts in Nigeria have significant cross-border implications and contribute to broader global anti-narcotics objectives.
Members of the delegation praised NDLEA for the efficient use and maintenance of equipment provided by the United States government, describing it as evidence of accountability and commitment to the shared anti-drug agenda. They disclosed that additional projects and training programmes are in the pipeline to further enhance the agency’s operational capacity.
In his response, Brigadier General Marwa expressed appreciation for AFRICOM’s sustained support, noting that it has played a key role in the agency’s recent achievements. He emphasised the nexus between drug trafficking, terrorism and organised crime, warning that narcotics networks continue to pose serious threats to national and regional security.
The NDLEA chairman called for expanded assistance in critical areas, including airport screening technology, forensic laboratory development, digital investigation tools, portable drug detection devices and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks, strengthening law enforcement capacity and promoting regional and global security.
