By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what he described as a landmark operation that dismantled a sophisticated transborder drug trafficking network involving Nigerian and Mexican syndicates.
The President praised the agency following Wednesday’s announcement by NDLEA Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, that operatives had successfully uncovered and dismantled a multi-million-dollar illegal drug production network after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations with international partners.
According to the NDLEA, the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and other collaborators, alongside the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360 million.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the operation as a demonstration of exceptional professionalism, courage and commitment by the anti-drug agency.
“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.
Tinubu applauded the bravery and resilience of NDLEA operatives, urging them not to relent in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
He warned that West Africa had increasingly become a major transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals destined for Europe and North America.
According to him, illicit drugs pose not only a serious security threat to the region but also endanger the future of young people who often become victims of the narcotics trade.
The President also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
“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,” he added.
