The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking between the two countries. The agreement was signed on September 26, 2026, during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This partnership aims to improve intelligence sharing and joint operations along the Nigeria-UAE route.
According to NDLEA Chairman and CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the agreement is the result of years of discussions between both agencies. He highlighted that from 2021 to 2026, the NDLEA seized about 354.7 kg of illegal drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol, hidden in shipments intended for the UAE. These seizures led to the arrest and prosecution of 47 individuals, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between the two agencies to combat drug trafficking.
Brig. Gen. Marwa also mentioned that from January 2021 to July 2026, the NDLEA made over 91,000 arrests across Nigeria, including 243 drug lords. The agency confiscated more than 15.5 million kilograms of illegal drugs and chemicals used to make drugs, achieved 16,469 convictions, and offered counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services to over 53,000 drug users. These efforts demonstrate the NDLEA's commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA chairman noted that their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community outreach and school programs. He emphasized that the new partnership with NDEA would facilitate the exchange of liaison staff, sharing of operational information, and cooperation on technical matters. This cooperation is expected to enhance the effectiveness of anti-drug efforts between the two countries.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE's NDEA, expressed the UAE's dedication to collaborating closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks that exploit the strong trade, travel, and personal connections between the two nations. He referred to the MoU as a natural step forward in the ongoing relationship between both agencies, aiming to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Both organizations have expressed confidence that this agreement will aid efforts to break down drug trafficking networks along the Nigeria-UAE route. This aligns with the shared global duty promoted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UAE has already begun working with the NDLEA, including plans to provide Nigerian travelers with a detailed list of prohibited items to help avoid accidental violations.
The agreement between NDLEA and NDEA marks a significant step forward in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria and the UAE. Key aspects of the partnership include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations, and technical cooperation. The success of this partnership will be crucial in disrupting drug trafficking networks and reducing the flow of illicit substances between the two countries.
Key points
- The NDLEA and NDEA have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking between Nigeria and the UAE.
- The partnership aims to improve intelligence sharing and joint operations along the Nigeria-UAE route.
- The agreement is expected to aid efforts to break down drug trafficking networks and reduce the flow of illicit substances between the two countries.
