U.S AFRICOM Pledges Support for NDLEA Against Drugs, Terrorism

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), pledging stronger collaboration to combat the growing threat of illicit drugs and their links to terrorism.

The pledge came during a high-level meeting between a senior U.S delegation and NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) on Tuesday.

Leading the delegation, Philip Esch, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, describes the partnership with NDLEA as “of utmost importance” to the US government.

He commended Marwa for his leadership, openness to international partnerships, and the renewal of his tenure for five more years, stressing the need for continued engagement and cooperation.

“We appreciate all the support and leadership you provide.

The relationship between NDLEA and DEA is critical, and we look forward to continued engagement,” Esch said.

Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, praised NDLEA’s regional and international impact, noting that the agency’s work not only strengthens security in Nigeria but also contributes to the fight against organized crime across Africa.

He commended the agency’s maintenance of US-provided equipment and confirmed that two major support projects are already in progress, including advanced training and technological upgrades.

In his response, Brig Gen Marwa, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from AFRICOM and other international partners, crediting the Tinubu administration for enabling NDLEA’s achievements.

He emphasized the critical nexus between illicit drugs and terrorism and urged continued support in key operational areas, including airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratories, and sniffer dogs.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from AFRICOM and the commitment from the Tinubu administration. This partnership enables us to tackle not only drug trafficking but also its wider security implications,” Marwa said.

The meeting highlighted NDLEA’s commitment to a regional and international approach, a strategy praised by the US delegation as critical in curbing organized crime across borders. Both sides agreed on the importance of technology, training, and equipment upgrades to enhance the agency’s operational capacity.

Marwa concluded by reassuring the international partners and the public that Nigeria remains open for strategic partnerships to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs: