- NDLEA Launches Marine Command to Combat Drug Trafficking
New NDLEA Marine Operations Enhance Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Efforts
NDLEA Marine Command: A Game Changer in Nigeria’s Drug War
BY SHEKWOPEYELO
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strengthened its efforts to tackle drug trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime space. Buba Marwa, the agency’s chairman and chief executive, confirmed this enhancement during the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command headquarters in Lagos.
Constructed with support from the British government, this facility will bolster the NDLEA’s operations against drug cartels that exploit waterways for illicit activities. Marwa expressed gratitude to the British High Commission in Nigeria, stating, “The timely delivery of this project speaks volumes about the commitment of the British government to support our efforts.”
This facility complements other contributions from the UK, such as a state-of-the-art facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and various capacity-building programs. These efforts significantly enhance the NDLEA’s ability to conduct substantial drug seizures and arrests.
Moreover, Marwa cited data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which reveals that over 80% of global trade occurs by sea, with an even higher percentage in developing countries. He emphasized that maritime routes serve as major channels for drug trafficking, allowing criminal elements to exploit vast expanses of sea and complex maritime jurisdictions.
“Recent operational successes justify our decision to upgrade the marine unit to a full-fledged command in 2022,” Marwa stated. He reported that the agency intercepted over 61,688.79 kg of various drugs, arrested 41 suspects, and successfully prosecuted 15 of them. Additionally, the NDLEA seized at least 750 tons of illicit substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, tramadol, and Loud, over the past three years.
To enhance security, Marwa called for ongoing collaboration among security agencies in the maritime space. He stressed the importance of increased coastal monitoring and vessel profiling. “Aside from merchant ships, personal vessels, including luxury yachts and fishing trawlers, are also being employed in this growing drug trade,” he noted. “Countering this threat requires intense coastal monitoring and collaboration among security agencies.”
Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, echoed this commitment, stating, “Together, we are preventing more drugs from crossing borders and disrupting criminal gangs.” He highlighted the increasing drug detections in both Nigeria and the UK, underscoring the necessity of continued collaboration.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the state government, commended the NDLEA’s efforts. “Your initiatives have not only protected our citizens but also enhanced the overall security and well-being of our state,” he remarked. The governor emphasized that the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters marks a significant milestone in the collective fight against drug-related crimes, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
