President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what is being described as one of the most significant anti-narcotics breakthroughs in Nigeria’s recent history, following the dismantling of a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate linked to a multi-million-dollar illicit drug production network.
The President said the operation, which resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and several collaborators, sends a strong warning to organised criminal groups operating within and across Nigeria’s borders.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the NDLEA for the successful operation that led to the seizure of illicit drugs and chemical substances valued at more than 360 million dollars.
Weeks of Intelligence and International Collaboration
The President described the operation as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing war against narcotics and transnational organised crime, praising the professionalism, resilience and tactical coordination displayed by operatives of the anti-drug agency.
According to the statement, the major bust followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and strategic planning by NDLEA operatives working in collaboration with international partners.
President Tinubu said the success of the operation demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian security agencies to confront highly organised criminal enterprises threatening national security and public safety.
“This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President stated.
He specifically praised the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa, and the agency’s personnel for their determination in executing the operation.
President Tinubu, however, warned against complacency in the fight against drug trafficking, stressing that West Africa has increasingly become a strategic transit corridor for cocaine, synthetic narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products destined for Europe and North America.
Rising Threat to West Africa and Nigerian Youths
He noted that beyond the security implications, drug trafficking poses a direct threat to the future of young people across the region, many of whom have fallen victim to addiction and criminal exploitation associated with the illicit drug trade.
“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” he said.
The President also called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
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He stressed that the fight against illicit drugs must not be left solely in the hands of the NDLEA, insisting that citizens have a collective responsibility in tackling organised criminal networks.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law,” Tinubu added.
The latest operation is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign amid growing regional and international concerns over the expansion of transborder drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.