NDLEA, NDEA Sign MoU to Tighten the Noose on Drug Traffickers in Nigeria, UAE
Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates,
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the fight against drug trafficking between the two nations. The agreement was signed at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which is currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
During the signing ceremony, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, emphasized that this MoU is the result of years of collaboration between the two agencies. He highlighted that it will enhance intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement actions along the Nigeria-UAE border. Between 2021 and 2026, NDLEA has intercepted a total of 354.7kg of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, rohypnol, ecstasy, and khat, concealed in shipments destined for the UAE. This has led to the arrest and prosecution of 47 individuals.
Marwa also noted NDLEA's nationwide efforts from January 2021 to July 2026, which included over 91,000 arrests, with 243 drug barons among them. The agency has seized more than 15.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, achieved 16,469 convictions, and counseled, treated, and rehabilitated over 53,000 drug users through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. The campaign has reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school engagements.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, the Chairman of NDEA, expressed the UAE's commitment to working closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks that exploit the strong trade, travel, and personal connections between both countries. He described the MoU as a natural progression of an already strong relationship. Both agencies are optimistic that the agreement will result in improved intelligence-sharing, more successful joint operations, and the dismantling of trafficking networks along the Nigeria-UAE axis, in line with the global responsibilities championed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
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