The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking between the two countries. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This move aims to tackle trafficking networks exploiting strong travel, trade and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
According to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the pact would enhance intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and joint enforcement efforts along the Nigeria-UAE drug trafficking corridor. Marwa said the agreement was the culmination of years of engagement between the two agencies. He added that stronger collaboration had become necessary to tackle trafficking networks.
Between 2021 and 2026, the NDLEA intercepted about 354.7 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, Rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, concealed in consignments destined for the UAE. This resulted in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects. Marwa disclosed that the interceptions were a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking.
The NDLEA has made significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking, arresting more than 91,000 suspects nationwide between January 2021 and July 2026. The agency also seized over 15.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals during the period. Additionally, the NDLEA secured 16,469 convictions and facilitated the counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of more than 53,000 drug users.
The NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign has reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school-based engagements. Marwa said the new agreement would build on existing cooperation between both agencies, including the exchange of liaison personnel, operational information and technical expertise. The UAE will provide Nigerian travellers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items to help prevent inadvertent violations of the country's drug laws.
Chairman of NDEA, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to working closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks operating along the corridor. He described the MoU as a natural progression of the productive relationship between both agencies. Both agencies expressed confidence that the agreement would strengthen intelligence-sharing, facilitate joint operations and assist in dismantling trafficking networks.
The agreement between Nigeria and the UAE is expected to significantly impact the fight against illicit drug trafficking. Key aspects of the agreement include enhanced intelligence-sharing, joint operations and technical cooperation. The collaboration aims to disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks exploiting the Nigeria-UAE corridor.
Key points
- The NDLEA and NDEA have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking between Nigeria and the UAE.
- The agreement aims to enhance intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and joint enforcement efforts along the Nigeria-UAE drug trafficking corridor.
- The NDLEA has made significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking, arresting over 91,000 suspects and seizing over 15.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs between 2021 and 2026.
