The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and commended the agency’s recent successes in combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
The Country Director of INL Nigeria, Derek Tolliver, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he led a US delegation to meet with NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa. Tolliver said the US was committed to building on existing programmes and supporting the agency’s efforts.
Marwa thanked the US Government and its agencies, including the INL, DEA, AFRICOM and FBI, for their continued support. He said the partnership had contributed significantly to the NDLEA’s operational capabilities, particularly through the provision of vehicles, training and modern forensic equipment.
The NDLEA chairman highlighted the upgrading of the agency’s forensic laboratory in Lagos and the establishment of additional facilities in Abuja and Enugu with US support. He said the laboratories had played a key role in analysing seized substances and identifying precursor chemicals during drug investigations.
Marwa also cited the agency’s recent dismantling of a methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Ogun State, saying forensic equipment provided through the partnership helped investigators identify precursor chemicals, including one linked to fentanyl production.
He urged the US-INL to sustain and expand its assistance to the NDLEA, particularly in logistics, training and other areas that would strengthen the agency’s capacity to combat drug-related crimes.
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