The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation against transnational drug trafficking networks operating between Nigeria and Australia. The agreement was signed on November 2, 2026, at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. This partnership aims to make the Nigeria-Australia route "extremely hostile and unprofitable for traffickers."
The MoU covers four key areas: information and intelligence exchange, joint and coordinated operations, capacity building and professional development, and controlled delivery. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the partnership as "a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels." He emphasized that the AFP's global reach, combined with the NDLEA's operational capabilities, would effectively combat drug trafficking.
The partnership comes as drug trafficking has become increasingly transnational, organized, and sophisticated, with Nigerian organized crime groups linked to the Australia-Pacific route, particularly for methamphetamine and cocaine. Marwa noted that Nigeria is being exploited as a transit and sourcing hub, but emphasized that no single country can fight this alone.
The NDLEA has recently achieved significant successes, including the seizure of 184.5 kilograms of cocaine meant for export and the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories with Mexican nationals embedded in them. One of the laboratories yielded seizures valued at over $360 million. Marwa expressed hope that the MoU would lead to major joint seizures, arrests, and successful controlled deliveries.
Sandra Booth, leading the AFP delegation, commended the NDLEA for tackling the entire spectrum of the problem, from prevention to enforcement. She praised the NDLEA's relationships with other countries and noted that the partnership would serve as "a force multiplier" against the drug trade. Booth emphasized that organized crime groups use drug proceeds to fund other serious offenses.
The partnership aims to prevent drug trafficking to Australia and protect its youth and vulnerable people. Booth noted that Australia is a destination country and that people will pay a lot of money for the commodity. She emphasized the need for a whole-of-society solution to the problem, adding that the trade is fuelling more violence, gangland wars, and deaths in Australia.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda, and other top officials from both countries. The MoU is renewable and is expected to lead to immediate implementation. The partnership between the NDLEA and AFP marks a significant step in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
Key points
- NDLEA and AFP sign MoU to combat transnational drug trafficking networks
- Partnership aims to make Nigeria-Australia route hostile to traffickers
- MoU covers information exchange, joint operations, capacity building, and controlled delivery
