The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The agreement, described as a major step towards tightening Nigeria’s border security architecture, was reached during a high-level meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting was jointly signed by the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Both agencies noted that the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks, particularly in drug trafficking, demands a coordinated and intelligence-driven response by relevant government institutions.
Under the new framework, the NDLEA and NCS agreed to streamline their operations, eliminate overlaps, and enhance intelligence sharing to improve efficiency and effectiveness in enforcement activities.
Key provisions of the communiqué include the establishment of a secure platform for real-time exchange of actionable intelligence to pre-empt criminal activities, as well as the creation of joint task forces at strategic locations across the country.
The agencies also resolved to set up a Standing Inter-Agency Committee to promptly address and resolve operational disputes, while ensuring strict respect for each organisation’s statutory roles to prevent unnecessary friction.
In addition, both bodies pledged closer collaboration at seaports, airports, and land borders to strengthen surveillance and enforcement, while facilitating legitimate trade without undue delays.
Speaking on the development, Marwa and Adeniyi reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, mutual respect, and national interest, stressing that the partnership would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat illicit drug flows.
They emphasised that aligning the operational strengths of both agencies would create a more formidable barrier against the trafficking of illegal substances and bolster security at the nation’s entry and exit points.
The renewed collaboration is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle drug networks and safeguard the country’s socio-economic stability.
