‘Nigeria Will Not Tolerate Drug Barons’ – Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over $360m Bust

‘Nigeria Will Not Tolerate Drug Barons’ – Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over $360m Bust
Illicit drugs worth over $360 million were reportedly seized.
President warned drug trafficking threatens Nigeria’s youths and security.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the arrest of members of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and the dismantling of a multi-million-dollar narcotics network operating across borders.

The President described the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and transnational criminal activities.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the commendation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), had earlier announced the successful operation after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement activities involving local operatives and international security partners.

According to the agency, the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and several collaborators linked to the syndicate.

NDLEA also disclosed that chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360 million were recovered during the operation.

Reacting to the development, Tinubu praised the professionalism, courage and commitment displayed by the NDLEA operatives involved in the mission.

“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission.

“I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking,” the President said.

Tinubu stated that the successful operation had sent a clear warning to criminal networks that Nigeria would not tolerate drug trafficking and organised crime within its borders.

The President also expressed concern over the growing use of West Africa as a transit route for illicit drugs destined for Europe and North America.

“West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals,” he said.

According to Tinubu, the rise in drug trafficking poses serious threats to regional security, fuels organised crime and exposes young people to addiction and criminal exploitation.

“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” the President added.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not as the NDLEA’s alone.

“Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities,” Tinubu said.

The President assured that his administration would continue supporting the NDLEA and other security agencies in efforts to combat drug trafficking, strengthen national security and protect citizens.

He added that individuals involved in criminal activities threatening public safety would face the full weight of the law.

‘Nigeria Will Not Tolerate Drug Barons’ – Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over $360m Bust

“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country and that those who threaten public safety will face the law,” he stated.