A delegation of senior officials from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of strengthened collaboration and sustained support in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational crimes.
The delegation led by Mr Philip Esch, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa on Tuesday in Abuja.
Esch commended the long-standing relationship between NDLEA and US-DEA, describing it as a strategic partnership of great importance to the United States Government.
He praised Marwa’s leadership style and openness to international cooperation, noting that the renewed tenure of the NDLEA boss would further strengthen institutional continuity and Joint operations.
“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. Obviously, you know that the relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance.
“We appreciate the excellent relationship across U.S. law enforcement with you and the NDLEA. We want that to continue.
“We are very happy that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement,” Esch said.
Another member of the delegation, Mr James Elseth, expressed enthusiasm about supporting NDLEA, describing the agency’s achievements as not only beneficial to Nigeria but also to regional and global security.
Elseth said Marwa had demonstrated a strong regional and international outlook in addressing the challenges of organised crime and drug trafficking.
“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, that is showing clearly in the scope and impact of your work.
“A lot of countries that we work with are only focused on their country. And just like DEA and FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organised crime from impacting our respective countries,” he said.
He commended NDLEA for the proper maintenance and effective utilisation of equipment and facilities earlier provided by the U.S. Government.
Elseth also disclosed that two major support projects were already being processed for the agency, in addition to ongoing and future capacity-building programmes, including specialised training.
In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the AFRICOM delegation for the visit and for the consistent support extended to NDLEA over the years.
He congratulated Esch on his years of meritorious service to the U.S. Government and acknowledged the role of international partnerships in the agency’s recent operational successes.
“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners.
“More importantly, due to the commitment and encouragement from the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss stressed the critical link between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, urging AFRICOM and the U.S. Government to deepen assistance to the agency in key operational areas.
He specifically requested support in the provision of modern scanning equipment for airports, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment and trained sniffer dogs, among other critical assets.
Marwa said that such support would further enhance NDLEA’s capacity to disrupt drug supply chains, dismantle organised criminal networks and prevent the financing of terrorism through narcotics proceeds.
He reaffirmed the shared commitment of Nigeria and the United States to collective security and the global fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime.