The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have declared a renewed offensive against transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-Australia route following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two agencies.
The agreement, signed on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja, formalises existing cooperation into a structured strategic alliance aimed at disrupting international drug trafficking networks.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Leilani Bin-Juda; Deputy High Commissioner, Timothy Milikan; and other members of the AFP delegation, including Andrea Humphrys and Susan Gray, alongside senior NDLEA officials.
According to the Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the partnership will focus on four critical areas — exchange of information and intelligence, joint and coordinated operations, capacity building and professional development, and controlled delivery.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), described the agreement as a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels operating across continents.
Marwa expressed confidence that the combined capabilities of the NDLEA and AFP would make the Australia-Nigeria drug route increasingly hostile and unprofitable for traffickers.
He stated that the agreement was necessary as drug trafficking had become increasingly transnational, organised and sophisticated, with Nigerian organised crime groups becoming more connected to the Australia-Pacific drug route, particularly in the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The NDLEA boss noted that Nigeria was being exploited as a transit and sourcing hub, stressing that combating the threat required international cooperation.
He expressed hope that the partnership would result in major joint drug seizures, arrests of high-value targets and successful controlled deliveries, while calling for the immediate implementation of the agreement.
Marwa also highlighted recent operational successes demonstrating the scale of the drug trafficking threat, including the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for export and the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories in recent months.
He disclosed that Mexican nationals were embedded in the laboratories, with one of the operations yielding seizures valued at more than $360 million.
He equally cited the dismantling of the Switzerland-based cartel allegedly operated by a Nigerian, Simon Amadi, following more than a year of joint efforts involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as well as French, Greek, and Swiss police. He added that the cartel’s assets in Nigeria had also been targeted.
In her remarks, the head of the AFP delegation, Ms. Sandra Booth, described drug trafficking as a whole-of-society problem requiring a collective response.
Booth commended NDLEA for addressing different aspects of the drug problem, from prevention to enforcement, and praised its international partnerships, describing the new agreement as a force multiplier in tackling the illicit trade.
Booth warned that organised crime groups were increasingly using drug trafficking to finance other serious criminal activities through what she described as a “crime as a service” model.
She noted that young and vulnerable people are being drawn into criminal activities, including drug delivery, transportation, and violent attacks on rival groups.
She also said that the consequences of the trade extended beyond addiction and the disruption of families and communities, as it was also contributing to violence, gang conflicts, and deaths in Australia.
While describing Nigeria as a transit country, Booth affirmed that Australia was a destination country for illicit drugs, noting that the high demand and substantial amounts paid for the commodities made international cooperation essential.
She further stated that Australia was committed to working with Nigeria to prevent drug trafficking and protect its young and vulnerable population.
