Tinubu hails NDLEA over historic bust of Nigerian‑Mexican drug syndicate

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a sophisticated transborder drug cartel, describing the operation as a landmark success in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics.

The announcement came after NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), revealed details of the major bust on Wednesday. The operation, which spanned weeks of intelligence gathering and coordination with international partners, led to the arrest of foreign nationals, Nigerian kingpins, and other collaborators. Chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million were seized.

President Tinubu praised the agency’s professionalism and courage, noting that the breakthrough sends a strong message to organised crime networks.

“This successful operation demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.

He urged NDLEA operatives to remain vigilant and avoid complacency, stressing that West Africa has become a major concern in the global war against narcotics, with drug barons exploiting the region as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals bound for Europe and North America.

Tinubu warned that drugs pose not only a critical security threat but also a grave danger to the future of Nigerian youth, many of whom have fallen victim to addiction and exploitation by traffickers.

Calling for collective responsibility, the President urged Nigerians to support NDLEA by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“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 declared.

The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accentuates Tinubu’s administration’s resolve to intensify the war against drug trafficking and safeguard Nigeria’s youth from the scourge of narcotics.