The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Drug Enforcement Authority of the United Arab Emirates (NDEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat transnational drug syndicates. The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement operations between the two countries. This partnership is expected to disrupt drug trafficking networks exploiting the strong travel and trade links between Nigeria and the UAE.
According to NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the MoU is the culmination of years of engagement between the two agencies. He noted that between 2021 and 2026, the NDLEA intercepted 354.7kg of illicit drugs destined for the UAE, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects. Marwa emphasized the need for closer cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE to tackle transnational drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss disclosed that the UAE will provide Nigerian travelers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items to prevent inadvertent violations of the country’s drug laws. This move is part of the agency's efforts to build on existing cooperation, including the exchange of liaison personnel, operational intelligence, and technical cooperation. The partnership is expected to lead to stronger intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and the dismantling of drug trafficking networks.
Between January 2021 and July 2026, the NDLEA arrested over 91,000 suspects, including 243 alleged drug barons. The agency also seized over 15.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, securing 16,469 convictions. Additionally, the NDLEA provided counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation for more than 53,000 drug users. The agency's War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school engagements.
The Chairman of the NDEA, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to working with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks. He described the agreement as a natural progression of the existing cooperation between the two agencies. Both agencies expressed confidence that the pact would lead to stronger intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and the dismantling of drug trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE route.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries in tackling transnational drug trafficking. The NDLEA and NDEA will work together to exchange intelligence, coordinate joint operations, and build capacity to combat drug trafficking.
The partnership between Nigeria and the UAE is a significant step towards combating transnational drug syndicates. The two countries will work together to disrupt drug trafficking networks, arrest suspects, and prosecute offenders. The MoU is expected to have a positive impact on the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
Key points
- Nigeria and UAE sign MoU to combat transnational drug syndicates
- NDLEA and NDEA to enhance intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement operations
- Partnership expected to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating along Nigeria-UAE route
