The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally requested advanced drug detection and forensic equipment from the United States Africa Command (US-AFRICOM) to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and its links to terrorism.
The request was made on Tuesday when a delegation of senior AFRICOM officials visited the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Marwa called for expanded support in key operational areas, including airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs, stressing that these resources are vital to dismantling drug networks that also finance terrorist and criminal groups.
“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM,” Marwa said. “I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners, and more importantly, due to the commitment and encouragement from the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
He added, “We urge the team to continue to support NDLEA, especially because of the nexus between illicit drugs and terrorism. The agency will appreciate more support on scanning equipment at the airports, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection equipment, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs, among others.”
Leading the AFRICOM delegation, Philip Esch, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, praised the partnership between NDLEA and the US-DEA, describing it as crucial to US government interests. He commended Marwa’s leadership and openness to international cooperation, noting that collaboration between NDLEA and US law-enforcement agencies remains strong and mutually beneficial. Esch also congratulated Marwa on the renewal of his tenure for another five years and expressed optimism for sustained engagement.
Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, said the United States was eager to continue supporting NDLEA, given the agency’s impact on Nigeria’s security as well as regional and international safety. He noted that NDLEA’s international outlook aligns with agencies such as the DEA and FBI in tackling cross-border organised crime.
Elseth also praised NDLEA for properly maintaining equipment and facilities previously provided by the US government, revealing that two major projects are already underway to further support the agency, alongside training programmes and other assistance.
Dip Connect Online News reports that NDLEA’s request came as AFRICOM announced that US forces had delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria in support of the country’s ongoing security operations.
Elijah Adeyemi
