Smuggling drugs through Lagos airport extremely difficult – Marwa
NDLEA Chairman Highlights Challenges in Drug Smuggling at Lagos Airport
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, stated that the smuggling of illegal substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has become increasingly difficult due to enhanced security measures and intensified anti-narcotics operations.
During a meeting on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa described the airport as one of the most closely monitored in the world in the battle against drug trafficking. He addressed a delegation from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, as part of a study visit focused on operational strategies.
Marwa emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana to address the growing threat of drug trafficking and related crimes in West Africa. “By collaborating and sharing expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively constraining the activities of criminal cartels in our sub-region,” he said.
He characterized the visit as more than a routine study tour, noting its role in enhancing strategic cooperation between the two agencies. The engagement is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics, and institutional best practices. Marwa indicated that improved collaboration would strengthen efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, reduce the production of psychotropic substances, and combat money laundering associated with drug trafficking.
During the visit, the NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their cooperation. Marwa described the agreement as a critical advancement in coordinating efforts against regional drug syndicates. “This agreement provides us with a legal and operational framework, transitioning our relationship from informal consultations to a structured, cohesive response against drug trafficking,” he stated.
Mantey remarked that the visit aimed to reinforce the existing partnership between the two countries and enhance operational collaboration. “This visit is not about starting anew; it is about strengthening a solid foundation of trust, sharing experiences, and making our partnership more practical and effective,” he said. He also noted the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking operations in the region, highlighting the necessity of stronger cross-border alliances to tackle emerging threats.
