Tinubu praises NDLEA for significant cross-border narcotics seizure

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its successful dismantling of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and a multi-million-dollar drug network, as announced by presidential spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

n

The NDLEA's breakthrough, achieved after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations with international security partners, was revealed by Chairman retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa on Wednesday, and it resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins, and several collaborators, as well as the seizure of illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over 360 million dollars.

n

According to President Tinubu, this operation marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to combat organised crime, narcotics trafficking, and transborder criminal networks that threaten national and regional security, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, courage, and commitment from the NDLEA operatives.

n

President Tinubu commended the bravery, resilience, and dedication of NDLEA operatives throughout the mission, urging them to remain vigilant and not become complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking.

n

He warned that West Africa has become a major transit corridor for cocaine, synthetic narcotics, and unregulated pharmaceutical products destined for Europe and North America, with drug barons turning the region into a transit hub for these illicit substances.

n

The president noted that the illicit drug trade poses not only a critical security threat to the region but also a grave danger to young people, many of whom have become victims of addiction and criminal exploitation.

n

President Tinubu called on Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities that could expose criminal operations and illegal trafficking networks within communities nationwide, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in the fight against illicit drugs.

n

The successful operation, according to President Tinubu, sends a strong signal that Nigeria's security agencies are committed to confronting organised crime and enforcing the law without compromise, and those who threaten public safety will face the law.