The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat drug trafficking networks operating between both countries.
Naija News reports that the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a historic record of strong bilateral relations.
The highlights of the MoU include: exchange of intelligence between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi will avail NDLEA its training Academy for joint training, provision of operational logistics to NDLEA, conduct of joint investigations and exchange of data on convicts.
Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, Marwa, who was accompanied by the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), Ahmed Sule Ningi, said the agreement was long overdue.
“However, today marks a particularly significant milestone—one that has been long overdue and holds immense importance for both our nations. Today’s event marks the culmination of the strong relationship between our two nations, particularly between our respective anti-narcotics agencies—the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
According to the NDLEA boss, “this partnership is not merely a matter of engagements but has extended to a deeper connection, as evidenced by the signing of the MoU today which will no doubt build on our collective expertise and establish effective strategies to address the complexities of narcotics control.”
Explaining the significance of the agreement, Marwa said, “Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides. Whether in the East or West, North or South, drug trafficking and abuse pose a shared threat to humanity.
“Addressing this crisis requires setting aside artificial differences and working together in unity. The instrumentality of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the frameworks of various UN conventions have established a common ground for countries to cooperate and coordinate efforts to effectively combat this mutual challenge.”
He acknowledged how past collaboration between both nations has resulted in numerous arrests and drug seizures.
“Over the past 18 years, Nigerian airports have recorded multiple drug-related arrests on outbound flights to Saudi Arabia.
“At MAKIA, NAIA, and MMIA, a total of 44 suspects were apprehended across 35 cases involving departing flights. Between 12th November 2007 and 15th January 2025, these operations led to the seizure of 37.6kg of cocaine, along with other prohibited substances.
“Saudi authorities have also provided intelligence leading to significant seizures, including the interception of 74.12kg of Captagon opioids at Apapa Port, Lagos, in September 2021. The shipment, originating from Syria, was under surveillance for five months before NDLEA seized it, marking the first known Captagon bust in Africa.
“Similarly, Saudi authorities have played a key role in joint investigations involving Nigerians apprehended for drug trafficking. In August 2023, after the arrest of Zulaihat Adam, Binta Nasidi, and Rashidat Abdullahi in Jeddah, the NDLEA swiftly traced and detained their accomplices in Nigeria, dismantling the network that facilitated the operation,” he added.
While commending the Saudi authorities for previous support to NDLEA, Marwa highlighted other areas of need where the Agency will require the assistance of the Saudi government.
In his brief remark, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed happiness that the MoU was being signed after over three years of initial discussions and preparations.
He commended Marwa and his team for their resilience, sincerity and commitment to the global effort to tame the scourge of illicit drug trafficking.
He assured of the commitment of the Saudi authorities to the letters of the MoU, while promising more support to NDLEA in the months ahead.
