ABUJA (CHATNEWSTV) — The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has praised the operational successes of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and pledged additional support and collaboration in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, according to a press statement released Monday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja.
The commendation was delivered by INL Director in Nigeria, Candace Spradley, who, along with her colleague Ada Aki, paid a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), at the Agency’s national headquarters on Monday.
Spradley said the visit was intended to reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to the global fight against narcotics, particularly opioids, and to strengthen the existing partnership with the NDLEA.
“Our visit is to underscore the importance of our collaboration and to assure you that we’re ready to support your work,” Spradley said. “If there is any area of assistance you would like, we’ll be ready to assist you.”
In his response, Marwa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the anti-drug campaign and emphasized the international significance of the fight against narcotics, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s keen interest.
He expressed appreciation for INL’s support, which he said has contributed significantly to the NDLEA’s emergence as Africa’s leading anti-narcotics agency.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the INL, which has greatly enhanced our operational capacity,” Marwa said. “However, sustaining these successes will require further assistance from the U.S. and other international partners.”
Marwa listed operational vehicles, forensic laboratory equipment, training for forensic analysts, cybercrime and cryptocurrency investigation capacity, and drug testing kits for field operations among the areas where further support would be critical.
The NDLEA has recently recorded a string of major operational breakthroughs, underscoring its enhanced capacity and renewed focus under Marwa’s leadership.
The visit and discussions were aimed at deepening the collaboration between the two agencies, the statement added.
