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As NDLEA  Leverages The Power Of Collaboration

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Gen Marwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) faces a formidable foe: the illegal drug trade.  Success in this fight requires more than just strong enforcement; it necessitates a multifaceted, powerful approach. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes on how the agency is using collaboration to dismantle drug cartels, disrupt trafficking networks, and ultimately create healthier, safer communities by examining key collaborations, highlighting successful initiatives, and emphasising the critical role of cooperation in the ongoing fight against narcotics.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria, like many other national drug enforcement agencies around the world, faces a massive challenge: combating the pervasive and ever-changing drug trade.  The agency’s growing reliance on partnerships is an important aspect of their strategy that deserves careful consideration.  The effectiveness of this approach is dependent on a variety of factors, and its success or failure has a significant impact on the agency’s overall ability to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

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The NDLEA’s financial, technological, and human resources are frequently insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.  Partnerships with international agencies (such as the UNODC and the DEA), NGOs, community groups, countries, and even private-sector entities enable resource pooling and knowledge sharing. This increases their ability to conduct investigations, gather intelligence, provide rehabilitation, and raise public awareness.

The drug trade thrives in secrecy and crosses borders. Partnerships provide access to a broader set of intelligence sources. Local residents, for example, can provide critical information about trafficking routes or drug hotspots that would otherwise go undetected by the NDLEA’s formal surveillance network.  International collaboration makes it easier to track down transnational drug syndicates. While community trust and cooperation are critical for effective drug control, collaboration with local leaders, religious organisations, and schools can help educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse, encourage early intervention, and create a more supportive environment for people seeking treatment.  This participatory approach can result in more sustainable and community-owned solutions.
A comprehensive approach to combating the drug problem necessitates addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of educational opportunities. Partnerships with development agencies and social welfare organisations can help to prevent drug use and empower vulnerable people.
Partnerships can help NDLEA personnel develop professionally by providing training, workshops, and exchange opportunities with international counterparts. This enhances their investigative skills, forensic abilities, and overall effectiveness.

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However, there are some potential challenges and considerations when exploring all of these collaborative efforts.  Effective partnerships necessitate strong coordination mechanisms to avoid duplication of effort, ensure consistency in messaging, and optimise resource allocation.  Clear communication channels are critical for effective information sharing.  Sharing sensitive intelligence necessitates careful consideration of data protection and security protocols to avoid leaks that jeopardise ongoing investigations.
Partner organisations may have different priorities and mandates, which could lead to conflicts or disagreements over strategy and implementation.  Clear agreements and a shared vision are critical for navigating these challenges. Many partnerships rely on external funding or short-term commitments. Ensuring the long-term viability of partnership initiatives is critical for sustained impact, with mechanisms in place to monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and ensure accountability.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, spoke at the unveiling of the Central Exhibit Office, which was donated by the United States government, at the agency’s headquarters annexe in Ikoyi, Lagos. Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, Consulate General of the United States, handed over the facility to the NDLEA boss, with the support of other senior US officials.

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Marwa praised the US government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug-related crimes, noting that continued collaboration with the US has expanded and improved the NDLEA’s operational capabilities. He stated that the anti-narcotics organisation’s consistent operational successes in drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support and assistance it receives from the US government, other partners, and stakeholders.

According to him, “Today, I am particularly pleased to recognise one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians. This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure evidence handling in drug-related prosecutions. This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework, but will also set new benchmarks for accountability and transparency in drug enforcement. It is an investment in the security and future of our nations.”

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He stated that, despite the agency’s improved performance, “we acknowledge that the war on drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. As an organisation, we are dedicated to overcoming the challenges.”

Despite the difficulties, the NDLEA stated that tremendous progress has been made on all fronts in the fight against drugs. “So far, the findings have been justified.  In 2024, we seized more than 2.6 million kilogrammes of illegal drugs. More than 18,500 drug traffickers have been arrested across the country. Over 3,250 people were convicted, including ten drug barons, and more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed, while over 8,200 people were counselled and rehabilitated, with over 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes held across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among other places. This provided a balance between our drug supply and demand reduction efforts.”

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While urging continued support and collaboration from the US government and other partners, Marwa stated that the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, necessitating ongoing collaboration and innovation.  “That is why we remain pragmatic in our never-ending search for additional assistance from our international partners, key stakeholders, and civic-minded individuals. We seek assistance in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, the provision of technology and equipment, particularly for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing, and the provision of operational logistics’, he stated.

He praised the American people for their consistent support and generosity over time. “Our shared goal remains to save lives and create a safer, healthier world.  As Chairman and CEO of the NDLEA, I pledge to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficient use of the resources entrusted to us. I assure you that every donation increases trust in the agency, inspiring resilience, hard work, and dedication among our employees.”

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He specifically thanked Mr. Robert Bascoe, the US DEA attaché in Nigeria, whose tireless efforts and commitment enabled the donation and several others, as well as the United States Africa Command and the US Embassy for their invaluable collaboration.
Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, acting Consul General of the United States, stated in her remarks that Nigeria-US relations are built on the vibrancy of democracy. “It is a principle deeply ingrained in both of our countries. Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th at the age of 100, was one of our leaders who contributed to our two countries’ strong and long-lasting partnership.

“President Carter was an extraordinary leader who worked tirelessly in and out of office to advance peace, democracy, health, and human rights. And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being transported by horse carriage to the United States Capitol to lie in state, where we can all honour his legacy.  President Carter was the first US President to pay a state visit to Nigeria.

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She emphasised the importance of the US government’s support for the NDLEA and praised Marwa for using such a partnership to achieve incredible results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.

According to her, “Efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria and throughout the West African region have been successful because we share the same goal of combating crime, illegal drugs, and instability. Today, as part of our long-standing partnership, the US government, through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is proud to hand over a dedicated office space to the NDLEA. This dedicated facility will offer NDLEA officers a safe and secure office environment in which to conduct investigations, process arrestees, and conduct post-arrest interviews. This donation represents the most recent example of the US government’s robust and productive collaboration with the NDLEA. In 2024, the US government invested half a million dollars to modernise and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office in Lagos. The upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, allowing the NDLEA to analyse suspicious substances and process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.

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“Over the years, our collaborative efforts have helped Nigerian authorities strengthen their ability to disrupt drug trafficking networks, dismantle clandestine meth labs, and conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Nigerian government and its agencies as we fight narcotics and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, particularly synthetic drugs, which will benefit both of our societies.”

The NDLEA’s use of partnership represents a significant strategic shift in its approach to drug control.  Despite the challenges, the potential benefits in terms of resource amplification, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and capacity building are significant. The success of this strategy is dependent on careful planning, effective coordination, open communication, and a strong commitment from all participating organisations to a common goal: a Nigeria free of drug abuse and trafficking. Further research into specific partnerships and their impact would provide a more nuanced understanding of the strategy’s efficacy.

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*Adapted from independent.ng

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