- Nigeria and Saudi Arabia sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- The focus is on intelligence sharing and joint operations to stop drug trafficking.
- NDLEA has made significant arrests and seizures in recent years.
- Past collaborations have already led to major drug busts.
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia Unite Against Drug Trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of Saudi Arabia have signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement is set to boost their operational partnership and crack down on drug trafficking networks that operate between both nations.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
This isn’t just a handshake; it’s a serious commitment. Here’s what the MoU includes:
- Intelligence Exchange: Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will share critical information to identify and track drug traffickers.
- Joint Training: Saudi officials will train with NDLEA officers at the NDLEA Academy, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
- Operational Logistics: Saudi Arabia will provide resources to support NDLEA’s operations.
- Joint Investigations: The two countries will conduct coordinated investigations to dismantle drug networks.
- Data Exchange: They’ll share data on convicted drug offenders to better understand and combat the problem.
A Long-Overdue Milestone
Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a strong history of bilateral relations, making this collaboration a natural progression.
“Today marks a particularly significant milestone—one that has been long overdue and holds immense importance for both our nations,” Marwa stated during the signing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why This Matters: A Global Threat
Marwa highlighted that drug trafficking is a global challenge that demands international cooperation. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides a framework for countries to work together effectively.
“Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides,” Marwa explained. “Whether in the East or West, North or South, drug trafficking and abuse pose a shared threat to humanity.”
Nigeria’s Track Record: Successes in Combating Drugs
Nigeria, through the NDLEA, has been actively collaborating with international partners, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). These collaborations have yielded significant results.
In the last four years, the NDLEA has:
- Made over 57,792 arrests, including 65 drug barons.
- Seized more than 10 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs.
- Secured the conviction of over 10,572 offenders.
- Treated and rehabilitated 22,047 drug users across 33 treatment centres.
Past Successes: Joint Efforts in Action
The partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia isn’t new; it’s been ongoing for nearly two decades. This collaboration has led to numerous arrests and drug seizures.
For example:
- Between 2007 and 2025, Nigerian airports recorded multiple drug-related arrests on outbound flights to Saudi Arabia, resulting in the seizure of 37.6kg of cocaine and other substances.
- In September 2021, Saudi authorities provided intelligence that led to the interception of 74.12kg of Captagon opioids at Apapa Port, Lagos. This was the first known Captagon bust in Africa.
- In August 2023, joint investigations led to the arrest of drug traffickers in both Jeddah and Nigeria, dismantling a major drug network.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control, expressed his satisfaction with the signed MoU. He assured continued support to the NDLEA in the coming months.
This partnership promises a stronger, more coordinated effort to combat drug trafficking and protect both nations from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. Expect more arrests, more seizures, and a tougher stance against drug criminals!
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