Nigeria and Ghana have reinforced their joint fight against transnational drug trafficking, sending a strong warning to criminal cartels operating across West Africa.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made this known on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, while hosting a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Ghanaian team, led by its Director General, Brig. Gen. Maxwell Obuba Mantey, was on a benchmarking visit and study tour of the NDLEA’s operational model.
Marwa described the engagement as a decisive step toward strengthening regional security, emphasizing that both countries are closing ranks against illicit drug networks.
“Let this visit serve as a warning to those who seek to destabilize our societies with illicit drugs: Nigeria and Ghana stand united. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and dominate the tactical space until our communities are safe,” he said.
He noted that the partnership reflects a long-standing relationship between both nations and underscores their shared commitment to tackling transnational organized crime. According to him, drug trafficking and related money laundering activities have grown increasingly complex, requiring coordinated intelligence-led operations and stronger regional collaboration.
Marwa highlighted that the visit goes beyond routine exchanges, describing it as a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing operational synergy. He said both agencies would share expertise in digital forensics, intelligence gathering, and interdiction strategies, while also exploring joint training opportunities and emerging trafficking trends in the West African corridor.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDLEA and NACOC. Marwa described the agreement as a significant milestone that provides a structured framework for tackling the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and associated financial crimes.
“This agreement moves our cooperation from informal consultation to a unified and aggressive front against drug barons,” he added.
In his remarks, Mantey praised Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, describing the country as a key partner in advancing regional stability and security. He said Ghana values its relationship with Nigeria, which is rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and a common vision for sustainable development.
He stressed that the evolving nature of drug trafficking—characterized by more sophisticated methods, increased use of maritime routes, and a rise in synthetic drugs—demands deeper collaboration among countries in the region.
Mantey also revealed that Ghana is experiencing a shift from being primarily a transit hub to facing growing domestic drug use and distribution challenges, further underscoring the urgency of joint action.
“No single country can effectively address this threat in isolation,” he said. “This partnership must translate into real outcomes—stronger intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, structured training, and closer day-to-day collaboration.”
He added that the MoU should not remain symbolic but must deliver measurable impact through sustained cooperation between both agencies.
Also present at the ceremony were senior officials from both countries, including the acting Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, alongside members of the NACOC delegation and top management staff of the NDLEA.
The agreement marks a renewed commitment by Nigeria and Ghana to jointly combat drug trafficking and safeguard the West African sub-region from the growing threat of organized crime.
