Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
INTERNATIONAL DRUG cartels no longer find Nigeria a permissive ground, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has affirmed, citing arrests, seizures and convictions recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the past five years.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, made the statement in Abuja during a ceremony to hand over audiovisual interview rooms equipped with modern technology to the NDLEA, provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
“Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilizing 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,” he said.
He added that under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, the agency has demonstrated “remarkable courage and professionalism” in confronting such networks, noting that since 2021 the NDLEA has strengthened enforcement, increased major seizures and expanded prevention and treatment initiatives.
“The result has been clear: it has sent very strong messages to transnational criminal organizations because Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment,” Toure said.
He expressed appreciation to the United States government for funding the project, stating that the investment “goes far beyond bricks, cables, and cameras,” adding that it reflects a commitment to a stronger, fairer and more transparent Nigeria.
Toure said the handover of the upgraded interview rooms reaffirmed a shared conviction that the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime must be conducted within the law, with respect for human rights and transparency, while urging that the facility be replicated across commands and formations nationwide.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Buba Marwa expressed gratitude to the US INL and UNODC “for believing in our mission and for walking this path with us,” assuring that the agency is “ready for the work ahead.”
“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are upgrading the integrity of our investigative process. The NDLEA is currently at 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,” he said.
Marwa also stated that the facilities arrived at a pivotal time as the agency accelerates digitalisation of its operations, adding that they reinforce commitment to transparency, existing laws and global best practices in criminal justice.
“This equipment is far more than mere technology; it is a symbol of trust. It reflects your belief in our mission and our people. For the Agency, this means enhanced capacity, higher investigative standards, and the ability to deliver justice more effectively,” he said.
He said the agency would ensure the contribution translates into measurable results and lasting impact on counter narcotics efforts, while promising that officers would use the equipment to ensure interrogations meet the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.
The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Director of US INL, Douglas Grane, alongside officials of UNODC as well as the NDLEA.
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