Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what he described as a landmark breakthrough in dismantling a transborder drug trafficking syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican collaborators.
The operation, which led to the discovery of a sophisticated illegal drug production network valued at over $360 million, was announced on Wednesday by the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), following weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and operational planning.
The syndicate bust resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug barons, and other collaborators, alongside the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals used in production.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the NDLEA operatives for what he called their professionalism, courage, and dedication to safeguarding public safety.
He described the operation as a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organised crime.
“This successful operation demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.
Tinubu warned that West Africa has increasingly become a transit hub for international drug cartels moving cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America, describing the trend as a major security concern for the region.
He stressed that drug trafficking not only fuels organised crime but also threatens national security and undermines the future of young people, many of whom fall victim to substance abuse and exploitation.
“The drugs trade is a grave danger to the future of our youth,” the President warned.
The President also called for stronger public participation in the fight against illicit drugs, urging Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
He emphasised that the responsibility of combating drug trafficking should not rest solely on the NDLEA, but should be a collective national effort.
“This landmark success sends a clear message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country,” Tinubu said.
The NDLEA has in recent years intensified nationwide and transnational operations targeting drug cartels, with increased collaboration with international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and curb the flow of illicit substances through Nigeria.
However, the latest breakthrough highlights both the growing sophistication of drug cartels and the increasing capacity of Nigerian law enforcement agencies to disrupt global criminal supply chains.