AfriPulse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following what authorities described as one of the most significant anti-drug operations in Nigeria’s history — the dismantling of a powerful Nigerian-Mexican transborder drug syndicate linked to a multi-million-dollar narcotics production network.
In a State House press release issued on Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the agency’s operatives for what he called an extraordinary display of professionalism, courage and resilience in taking down the criminal network.
The operation, coordinated by NDLEA Chairman Mohammed Buba Marwa, reportedly followed weeks of covert intelligence gathering, surveillance and strategic planning carried out in collaboration with international security partners.
According to the agency, the sweeping crackdown led to the arrest of several foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and their collaborators, while chemicals and illicit narcotics valued at more than $360 million were seized during the operation.
Reacting to the breakthrough, President Tinubu said the success sends a strong warning to organised criminal groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“This successful operation demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President stated.
He commended NDLEA officers for risking their lives to confront dangerous criminal networks, while warning against complacency in the ongoing war against illicit drugs.
Tinubu also expressed concern over the growing role of West Africa as a major transit corridor for cocaine, synthetic substances and unregulated pharmaceutical products destined for Europe and North America.
“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 warned.
The President urged Nigerians to see the anti-drug war as a collective responsibility rather than the duty of the NDLEA alone, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities capable of aiding security agencies in tracking criminal operations.
He stressed that the latest bust proves that Nigeria’s security agencies are intensifying efforts against organised crime and would continue to pursue those threatening public safety and national security.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country,” Tinubu declared.
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
