NSA Applauds Customs, NAFDAC, NDLEA for Synergy in Drug War

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has praised the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NDLEA for their unwavering commitment to national safety and the protection of public health.

The commendations by the NSA follows a joint operation that led to the destruction of 206 containers and a trailer-load of unwholesome pharmaceuticals and narcotics.

Speaking when he paid tost to the agencies in his office in Abuja, the NSA recognised their outstanding efforts in the ongoing war against illicit drugs and other contrabands.

According to a statement on Thursday by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, Ribadu also acknowledged the conclusion of a major review assignment involving 50 containers under investigation, describing the collaboration as a model for inter-agency synergy in national security.

“This is an acknowledgment of the good work you’ve been doing. Nigeria is changing. It won’t be business as usual anymore. We’ll go after the criminals who bring these poisons into our country.” Ribadu said.

For the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, he highlighted that the Service has earlier declared a state of emergency on the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals.

He added that the collaborative effort between agencies, supported by the NSA, enabled swift identification and destruction of dangerous substances.

“We are stronger together,” the CGC noted. “And we will remain vigilant to ensure these substances never make it into the wrong hands.”

And the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof.soor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan against drug abuse and illegal pharmaceutical imports.

She disclosed that more than 1,300 security personnel had been deployed under the NSA’s directive to support NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Customs operations across the country.

“These unregistered and unwholesome products are a danger to our women and children,” she warned. “Our continued collaboration with Customs and NDLEA is saving lives.” she added.

Meanwhile the NDLEA representative, Shadrac Haruna, also acknowledged the role of an inter-agency committee initiated by the CGC, which they say, has greatly supported efforts to keep drugs off the streets and dismantle illegal warehouses.

As a mark of appreciation, plaques and letters of commendation were presented to the CGC, the DG of NAFDAC, and the NDLEA Chairman represented.

The NSA was also presented with a Certificate of Destruction for the seized substances, a symbolic gesture underscoring the country’s commitment to eradicating illicit drugs.