The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has called for a reinforced global offensive against drug cartels and transnational organised crime, stressing that criminal networks now operate beyond borders and demand coordinated international action.
Marwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global anti-drug cooperation while speaking at the graduation ceremony of NDLEA officers at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, United States.
The statement was issued on Friday in Abuja by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Growing Threat of Transnational Organised Crime
Addressing the graduating officers, Marwa emphasised that the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks requires stronger law enforcement collaboration across continents.
“Criminal networks operate across borders and therefore require a unified, coordinated and intelligence-driven global response,” Marwa stated.
He highlighted the course motto — “Different nations, shared duty, one fight” — as a reflection of the collective resolve among partner nations to dismantle organised criminal cartels.
Honouring Fallen Officers and Strengthening Capacity
Marwa described the graduation ceremony as symbolic, noting that the specialised course honoured members of Special Investigation Units (SIU) who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
He paid tribute to fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire anti-narcotics personnel worldwide.
According to the NDLEA chairman, the advanced training programme will significantly enhance the operational capacity of participating agencies. The newly acquired skills, he said, will help disrupt trafficking networks, strengthen intelligence-sharing frameworks, and dismantle transnational organised crime structures across West and East Africa.
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya Officers Complete Intensive DEA Programme
Officers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya participated in the intensive training programme at the DEA Academy, gaining advanced investigative and operational skills designed to combat illicit drug trafficking and organised crime.
Marwa expressed appreciation to the United States Department of Justice and DEA leadership for their continued partnership and investment in capacity building.
He urged the graduating officers to apply their new competencies with integrity, professionalism, and courage.
Renewed Responsibility in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking
Describing the graduation as the beginning of renewed responsibility, Marwa charged the officers to uphold the highest standards of service.
“This is to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens stability,” he said.
The NDLEA boss expressed optimism that sustained cooperation between Nigeria and the United States would continue to yield tangible results in the global fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
