French Govt. Lauds NDLEA’s Fight Against Illicit Drugs, Donates Equipment to Enhance Operations 

The French government has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on its impressive record in the fight against illicit drugs, including a high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders.

The commendation was given by French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

This is according to a statement made available to Thelensng by the Director, Media & Advocacy of the Agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

In his remarks, Fonbaustier acknowledged that the Agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs places the country in a good position for improved partnership with France.

“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well,” Ambassador Fonbaustier said.

On his part, Marwa expressed gratitude for the donation of the equipment to NDLEA, stating that “Nigeria and France have been good partners especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France.”

The NDLEA boss affirmed that the equipment are very important operational tools that will go a long way to enhance the work of the agency.

He recalled the earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions as well as support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the Agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.