NDLEA, Customs strengthen partnership to combat drug trafficking

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Customs Service have agreed on a comprehensive collaborative framework aimed at enhancing inter-agency coordination to curb drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on April 27, 2026, where a communiqué was signed by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

According to a statement issued on April 28, 2026, by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the partnership is designed to address the growing complexity of transnational organised crime through improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

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Both agencies noted that the new framework would eliminate operational overlaps, reduce inter-agency friction, and ensure a seamless exchange of actionable intelligence.

Key areas of cooperation outlined in the communiqué include the establishment of a secure platform for intelligence sharing to preempt criminal activities, and the creation of joint task forces at critical operational points with clearly defined leadership structures.

Other measures include respect for the statutory roles and jurisdictions of each agency, the formation of a Standing Inter-Agency Committee to resolve operational disputes, and enhanced collaboration at seaports, airports, and land borders to strengthen enforcement while facilitating legitimate trade.

Marwa and Adeniyi reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism and mutual respect, stressing that the partnership is in the national interest and will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by leveraging the combined capabilities of both agencies.