NDLEA, US DEA pledge to deepen strategic collaboration against drug trafficking, substance abuse

In a renewed push to combat the escalating menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral collaboration.

The pledge was the centerpiece of a strategic meeting held on Friday, May 23, 2025, between NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Ms. Daphne Morrison, the newly appointed US DEA Country Attaché to Nigeria, at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Ms. Morrison, in her first courtesy visit since assuming her role in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding the partnership between the two agencies.

“I wanted to make this one of my priorities — to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together,” Morrison said.

“Thank you so much for your support over the years. We’re ready to keep things going. I know you worked well with the last Country Attaché, and I’m eager to build on that momentum and achieve great results together.”

She disclosed ongoing plans by the DEA to facilitate additional training programs for officers in NDLEA’s Special Operations Units, while also expressing interest in conducting joint operations targeting key areas of mutual concern in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics fight.

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Marwa welcomed the continued support of the United States and applauded the productive relationship between the DEA and his agency over the years.

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“We’ve had excellent relationships with your predecessors. They’ve been extremely supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt it will be the same — if not better — with you,” Marwa said.

Marwa acknowledged the critical role the DEA has played in enhancing NDLEA’s capacity, particularly in areas of training, equipment supply, and intelligence-led joint operations.

“We would welcome much more support. But since this is your introductory visit, I won’t table a long list of requests. I just want to express our appreciation for the collaboration and backing we’ve received,” he added.

This visit comes shortly after the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) publicly commended NDLEA for its operational successes. The INL had also pledged additional support and continued collaboration in tackling drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

The growing cooperation between the NDLEA and US agencies reflects a broader commitment by both nations to tackle the transnational threat of narcotics trafficking, a problem that fuels organized crime, insecurity, and public health challenges.

With Nigeria positioned as both a transit and consumer nation in the global drug trade, experts have consistently underscored the need for robust international partnerships.

“This level of collaboration with global agencies like the DEA is crucial,” said Dr. Ifeoma Eze, a criminologist at the University of Abuja.

“It ensures knowledge exchange, coordinated interdiction efforts, and builds stronger institutions to tackle the drug crisis at both local and transnational levels.”

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As the NDLEA continues to expand its reach and capacity, Friday’s meeting signals a strategic reaffirmation of shared goals and the determination to eradicate the drug scourge in Nigeria through multilateral cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and targeted enforcement operations.

Both agencies are expected to unveil new operational frameworks and training modules in the coming months, aimed at enhancing tactical responses, improving intelligence gathering, and fostering joint task force effectiveness.