Saudi Arabia and NDLEA Join Forces To Combat Drug Trafficking

Saudi Arabia and NDLEA Join Forces To Combat Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of Saudi Arabia have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at addressing drug trafficking networks operating between the two nations….READ MORE….

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, noted the strong historical relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The MoU outlines key collaborative efforts, including the exchange of intelligence, access to Saudi Arabia’s training academy for joint training initiatives, provision of operational logistics to NDLEA, coordination of joint investigations, and sharing of data regarding convicted individuals.

During the signing ceremony held in Riyadh, which Marwa attended alongside Director of Operations and General Investigation Ahmed Sule Ningi, he remarked that this agreement has been a long time coming and is of significant importance to both nations. “Today marks a crucial milestone in the strengthening of relations between our countries, particularly in the realm of anti-narcotics efforts,” he stated.

Marwa elaborated on the necessity of this partnership, emphasizing that illicit drugs represent a global issue that transcends geographical boundaries and ideological divides. “Tackling this crisis requires us to unite and move beyond artificial differences. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and various UN conventions provide frameworks for cooperation to effectively confront this shared challenge,” he said.

He highlighted the success of previous collaborations, which have led to numerous arrests and drug seizures over the years. “In the past 18 years, Nigerian airports have seen multiple drug-related arrests on outbound flights to Saudi Arabia. Notably, between November 12, 2007, and January 15, 2025, these operations resulted in the seizure of 37.6 kg of cocaine and other illicit substances,” he noted.

Marwa also acknowledged the intelligence provided by Saudi authorities, which has contributed to significant drug seizures, such as the interception of 74.12 kg of Captagon opioids at Apapa Port, Lagos, in September 2021, the first such bust of its kind in Africa.

He emphasized the collaborative success in addressing drug trafficking networks, citing a recent case where the NDLEA traced accomplices of individuals arrested in Jeddah, effectively dismantling the trafficking operation.

Meanwhile, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Director General of the GDNC, expressed his pleasure at the signing of the MoU following three years of discussions. He praised Marwa and his team for their dedication to the international fight against drug trafficking. Al-Qarni assured that Saudi authorities remain committed to the provisions of the MoU and will continue to support the NDLEA in the future.