The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, citing a surge in arrests, seizures, and convictions over the past five years.
Speaking in Abuja, the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, said Nigeria is no longer a “permissive environment” for transnational drug networks.
He noted that under the leadership of Mohamed Buba Marwa, the agency has demonstrated “remarkable courage and professionalism” in tackling drug-related crimes since 2021.
According to him, the agency’s strengthened enforcement strategies, increased seizures, and expanded prevention initiatives have sent a strong message to criminal organisations operating across Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
The commendation came during a ceremony where UNODC handed over state-of-the-art audiovisual interview rooms to the NDLEA. The project was funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
Toure emphasised that the investment represents more than infrastructure, describing it as a commitment to transparency, justice, and respect for human rights in the fight against organised crime.
He also called for the replication of such facilities across NDLEA commands nationwide.
In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman, Marwa, expressed appreciation to UNODC and the United States for their continued support.
He described the new facilities as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s law enforcement system.
“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are upgrading the integrity of our investigative process,” he said.
Marwa added that the agency is advancing its digital transformation efforts, with the new technology expected to enhance transparency, professionalism, and adherence to global best practices in criminal justice.
The NDLEA boss further assured stakeholders that the agency would maximise the use of the facilities to deliver measurable results in its anti-narcotics operations.
He stressed that the partnership reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The event was attended by top officials from UNODC, NDLEA, and representatives of the U.S. government, highlighting continued global collaboration in addressing drug-related threats.
