- He said both countries had agreed to deepen collaboration in tackling illicit drug trade
- Marwa stressed that drug trafficking has evolved into a transnational threat that no single country can handle alone
- The NDLEA boss described the visit as a strategic step toward building stronger institutional ties
Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has warned drug trafficking networks across West Africa that Nigeria and Ghana are intensifying joint efforts to dismantle their operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Marwa gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission, led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit to the NDLEA headquarters.
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He said both countries had agreed to deepen collaboration in tackling illicit drug trade, money laundering and other cross-border crimes, noting that criminal groups were increasingly exploiting regional borders to expand their activities.
According to him, the strengthened partnership sends a clear message that both nations are determined to disrupt drug networks and secure their societies.
Marwa stressed that drug trafficking has evolved into a transnational threat that no single country can handle alone, making cooperation essential.
He added that sharing intelligence, improving enforcement strategies and aligning operations would significantly limit the space available for criminal cartels in the region.
The NDLEA boss described the visit as a strategic step toward building stronger institutional ties, saying it would enhance knowledge exchange in areas such as digital forensics, operational systems and best practices.
A key outcome of the engagement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies.
Marwa explained that the agreement provides a formal framework for joint action against the production and distribution of illicit substances, as well as related financial crimes.
He noted that the deal would move both agencies from informal cooperation to a more structured and coordinated campaign against drug trafficking across West Africa.
In his remarks, Mantey commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbour.
He described the relationship between both countries as longstanding and built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Mantey also highlighted the growing complexity of drug trafficking in the region, pointing to increased use of maritime routes and the rise of synthetic drugs.
He warned that links between drug trafficking and other organised crimes were becoming more pronounced, posing risks to security and public health.
He added that Ghana was beginning to experience a shift from being mainly a transit point to also facing domestic challenges related to drug use and distribution.
The NACOC chief said the visit aimed to deepen cooperation through experience-sharing, joint training and improved intelligence exchange, particularly by learning from the NDLEA’s operational model.
He emphasised that the newly signed agreement must translate into concrete results, including coordinated operations and stronger collaboration between both agencies.
The engagement was attended by senior officials from both countries, including representatives of the Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria.
The renewed partnership is expected to boost regional efforts to combat drug trafficking, curb illicit drug production and tackle associated financial crimes across West Africa.
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