Metro

Bilateral Boost: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Tighten Security Against Drug Syndicates

Published

3 weeks ago

Apr 7, 2025.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Tighten Noose on Drug Cartels as NDLEA, GDNC Sign Landmark Agreement
In a historic move to combat global drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General
The agreement, signed on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lays out a framework for intensified cooperation between the two anti-narcotics agencies. Key highlights of the MoU

In a historic move to combat global drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening operational collaboration and disrupting drug cartels operating between both nations.

The agreement, signed on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lays out a framework for intensified cooperation between the two anti-narcotics agencies.

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Key highlights of the MoU include intelligence sharing, joint training at the Saudi anti-narcotics academy, provision of operational logistics, joint investigations, and exchange of data on convicted offenders.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who was accompanied by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Sule Ningi, described the agreement as a long-awaited milestone in bilateral anti-drug efforts. “This partnership is not merely a matter of engagements but has extended to a deeper connection,” Marwa stated. “It will build on our collective expertise and establish effective strategies to address the complexities of narcotics control.”

Marwa emphasized that drug trafficking has evolved into a global menace requiring united efforts to overcome. He noted that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and international conventions have helped create common ground for cross-border cooperation. According to him, both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed strong ties, and the formalization of this partnership marks a new chapter in their collaboration.

Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts, Marwa revealed that the NDLEA has in the past four years arrested over 57,792 drug suspects, including 65 barons, seized more than 10 million kilograms of various illicit drugs, and secured the conviction of 10,572 offenders. Additionally, 22,047 drug users have received treatment and rehabilitation across 33 centres nationwide.

He acknowledged the vital support Saudi Arabia has provided in the past, including actionable intelligence that led to significant busts. One notable example was the interception of 74.12kg of Captagon opioids at Apapa Port, Lagos, in 2021 — the first seizure of its kind in Africa. Also, intelligence from Saudi Arabia assisted in the arrest and dismantling of a trafficking network after three Nigerian women were caught in Jeddah in 2023.

The NDLEA boss also cited data from Nigerian airports showing 44 suspects apprehended in 35 cases of drug trafficking on outbound flights to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 years, resulting in the seizure of 37.6kg of cocaine and other illicit substances.

While commending the GDNC for their long-standing cooperation, Marwa appealed for more assistance, particularly in training and logistics. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international collaboration in the war against illicit drugs.

In his remarks, the Director General of Saudi Arabia’s GDNC, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed delight at the conclusion of the MoU after over three years of planning. He praised Marwa and the NDLEA team for their dedication and pledged full commitment to implementing the agreement. He also promised increased support to Nigeria in the coming months.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and goodwill, symbolizing a renewed and robust alliance in the global fight against narcotics.

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