From Victor Osula, Abuja
Nigeria is no longer a safe haven or permissive ground for international drug cartels, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared, citing a surge in arrests, seizures, and convictions recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over the past five years.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, asserted on Monday in Abuja during the handover of newly installed audiovisual interview rooms to the NDLEA. The facilities, funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL), are equipped with modern technology designed to strengthen investigative processes and promote transparency in line with global standards.
Toure said the development reflects a decisive shift in Nigeria’s counter-narcotics landscape, driven by intensified enforcement, increased seizures, and a growing number of convictions secured by the NDLEA under its current leadership.
“Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilising forces of our time; it fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and exploits the most vulnerable. Nigeria, at a critical sub-regional crossroads, has been both a target and a transit hub for criminal networks stretching from Latin America to Asia and across Africa.
“However, under the strong and visionary leadership of Mohamed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA has demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism in confronting these networks. Since his appointment in 2021, the agency has significantly strengthened enforcement, increased major seizures, and expanded prevention and treatment initiatives. The result has been clear—it has sent a very strong message to transnational criminal organisations that Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment”, he said.
The UNODC official further commended the United States government for its continued support, noting that the project represents more than infrastructural investment.
“To our partners and the United States, your investment goes far beyond bricks, cables, and cameras—it is an investment in the idea that a stronger, fairer, and more transparent Nigeria is a safer Nigeria”, Toure stated. He urged that similar facilities be replicated across all NDLEA commands nationwide to deepen institutional capacity.
In his response, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to both UNODC and US-INL for their sustained partnership and confidence in the agency’s mission.
“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are upgrading the integrity of our investigative process. The NDLEA is currently in an advanced stage of digital transformation, and the provision of these state-of-the-art facilities brings us into the future of law enforcement. This is where technology meets the rule of law”, Marwa said.
He described the timing of the intervention as critical, as the agency accelerates efforts toward full digitalisation of its operations, noting that the new infrastructure will strengthen transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices in criminal justice administration.
“The handover of these modern interview and interrogation rooms could not have come at a more pivotal time. This facility ensures we remain in lockstep with our international partners and reinforces our commitment to transparency and professionalism”, he added.
Marwa emphasised that the equipment symbolises trust and shared responsibility in the global fight against drug trafficking, adding that it would significantly boost the agency’s operational capacity.
“For our officers, this means better tools for the job. For the public, it means a more transparent and professional agency. We are committed to ensuring that this contribution translates into measurable results and lasting impact on our counter-narcotics efforts”, he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of US-INL, Douglas Grane, alongside senior officials of UNODC and NDLEA, reaffirmed continued international collaboration in tackling organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
