President Bola Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for dismantling a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican drug network and seizing illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over $360 million.
The president’s congratulations followed an announcement on Wednesday by NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), detailing a week-long operation involving intelligence gathering and coordination with international partners.
“This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
The operation resulted in the arrest of both foreign and local suspects linked to the network. Tinubu praised the bravery and dedication of NDLEA operatives and urged them to remain resolute in tackling drug trafficking.
He warned that West Africa has become a growing concern in the global fight against narcotics, with drug barons using the region as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals bound for Europe and North America.
“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” he said.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to treat the fight against illicit drugs as a shared responsibility. “I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks.”
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law,” the president added.
