On Tuesday, Jo Ellen George, the United States Acting Consul General, formally inaugurated the central exhibit office donated by the U.S. government to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The ceremony, held at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos, highlighted the enduring collaboration between both countries in combating drug-related crimes.
During the event, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), detailed striking achievements in 2024, including seizing over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arresting 18,500 offenders, and securing 3,250 convictions, including 10 drug lords.
Furthermore, the agency demolished 220 hectares of cannabis farms, showcasing significant progress in its anti-narcotic operations.
Marwa acknowledged the United States as a steadfast ally, commending its invaluable support in enhancing NDLEA’s operational efficiency. He emphasized that the agency’s remarkable achievements have been made possible through the ongoing partnership, which has bolstered drug supply control efforts alongside demand reduction measures.
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Expressing hopes for future cooperation, Marwa called for continued assistance in critical areas like officer capacity building, advanced training, intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance, and acquisition of tracking technology. He reiterated the dynamic and multifaceted nature of drug challenges, underscoring the need for constant innovation.
Echoing these sentiments, Jo Ellen George highlighted the U.S.’s commitment to shared goals, such as curbing illegal drugs, crime, and regional instability. She lauded the donation of the dedicated office space, which will aid NDLEA officers in carrying out investigations, processing arrestees, and conducting interviews.
Additionally, she noted that in 2024, the U.S. government invested $500,000 to modernize NDLEA’s chemical forensic lab with advanced tools, reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity in criminal investigations. Both leaders emphasized their shared dedication to securing a safer and healthier global environment.
