By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
Illegal drug trafficking came under renewed scrutiny after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and its staff for busting a Nigerian Mexican drug syndicate and dismantling what he described as a highly sophisticated multi million dollar illegal drug production network in the country.
Chairman of the agency, Mohammed Buba Marwa, announced the operation on Wednesday following weeks of intelligence gathering and planning by NDLEA operatives working with international partners.
President Tinubu said the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, alongside the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360m.
“This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.
He praised the agency’s operatives for what he called their bravery, resilience and dedication throughout the mission and urged them not to relent in confronting drug trafficking.
The President said West Africa had become a major concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turned the region into a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals bound for Europe and North America.
“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” he said.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement issued on May 21, 2026, notes that President Tinubu called on Nigerians to support the fight against illicit drugs by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities to security agencies.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
—
