The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has declared that Nigeria is no longer an easy operating environment for international drug trafficking networks.
The agency attributed this shift to intensified enforcement actions by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, including increased arrests, drug seizures, and successful prosecutions in recent years.
Speaking in Abuja, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure said Nigeria’s strengthened anti-drug operations have sent a strong warning to transnational criminal groups.
He noted that the country, once seen as a major transit point for illicit drugs moving between continents, is now tightening its grip on organised crime.
Toure praised the leadership of Buba Marwa, stating that reforms introduced since 2021 have significantly improved enforcement capacity.
According to him, the NDLEA has expanded its operations across prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, resulting in measurable outcomes.
The UNODC also handed over modern audiovisual interview facilities to the NDLEA to improve investigative processes.
The equipment, funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, is designed to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with global standards.
Toure emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking must be conducted within the framework of the law and respect for human rights.
He urged authorities to replicate the newly installed facilities across NDLEA commands nationwide to strengthen institutional capacity.
Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation to international partners for their support, describing the new facilities as a major step toward modernising law enforcement.
He said the agency is advancing its digital transformation agenda, which will improve investigative efficiency and uphold the rule of law.
The NDLEA chairman highlighted the importance of global partnerships in combating organised crime.
He assured stakeholders that the agency would maximise the impact of the new infrastructure to deliver better outcomes in drug control efforts.
