President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency following the dismantling of a major Nigerian-Mexican drug trafficking syndicate linked to a multi-million-dollar narcotics operation.
The commendation was conveyed in a statement released in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, disclosed on Wednesday that the breakthrough came after weeks of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and joint operations involving NDLEA personnel and international law enforcement agencies.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several foreign suspects, local drug barons, and other accomplices. Authorities also recovered large quantities of illicit drugs and chemical substances estimated to be worth over 360 million dollars.
President Tinubu described the achievement as a major victory in Nigeria’s efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking, and other transnational criminal activities posing threats to national and regional security.
According to him, the operation reflected the high level of professionalism, bravery, and dedication displayed by NDLEA officers throughout the mission.
“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission.
“I urge them not to relent in the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes,” the president stated.
Tinubu also expressed concern over the growing role of West Africa as a transit route for cocaine, synthetic narcotics, and unregulated pharmaceutical products being smuggled to Europe and North America.
“West Africa has become a growing concern in the global campaign against narcotics as criminal networks increasingly use the region as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic substances, and illegal pharmaceutical products,” he said.
He further warned that the spread of illicit drugs continues to endanger young people across the region, exposing many to addiction and criminal exploitation.
“Beyond security concerns, the drug trade threatens the future of many young people who have fallen victim to addiction and exploitation linked to these criminal networks,” Tinubu added.
The president called on citizens to support security agencies by staying alert and reporting suspicious activities capable of uncovering illegal drug operations and trafficking networks in their communities.
“I urge Nigerians to understand that the battle against illicit drugs is a collective responsibility. Citizens must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed that the successful crackdown demonstrates the determination of Nigeria’s security agencies to tackle organised crime and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
He noted that the operation sends a clear warning to criminal groups that law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue anyone involved in activities threatening public safety and national security.