Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime, as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) graduated from the training academy of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Quantico, Virginia.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), gave the assurance on Friday during the graduation ceremony, where he called for intensified global collaboration to combat the growing sophistication of criminal networks.
Speaking at the event, Marwa described the ceremony as significant, noting that the course was dedicated to members of Special Investigation Units (SIU) who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and dedication continue to inspire law enforcement agencies across nations.
He said the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” captured the essence of the global battle against organised crime, stressing that criminal networks operate beyond national borders and require coordinated, intelligence-driven responses.
According to him, the evolving tactics of traffickers demand a surge in joint operations, capacity building, and information sharing among countries. He emphasised that Nigeria remains fully committed to working with the United States and other international partners to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and strengthen regional security.
The intensive training programme brought together elite officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, equipping them with advanced operational skills in critical areas of counter-narcotics enforcement.
Marwa expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained would enhance the operational effectiveness of participating agencies and enable them to disrupt trafficking networks across West and East Africa. He charged the officers to apply the skills acquired with integrity, professionalism and courage upon their return.
The NDLEA boss also appreciated the United States Department of Justice, DEA leadership and instructors for their sustained partnership, mentorship and investment in capacity building.
He stressed that the graduation marked the beginning of renewed responsibility for the officers to uphold the highest standards of service, protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners would continue to grow stronger, delivering sustained successes in the global fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
