Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over Major Drug Bust, Says Nigeria Won’t Tolerate Criminal Networks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a major transborder drug syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican operatives and disrupting what authorities described as a sophisticated multi million dollar illicit drug production network.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the anti narcotics agency for what he described as a landmark operation against organised crime.

The President’s commendation followed an announcement by the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), who disclosed that the agency had uncovered the network after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations carried out with international partners.

According to the Presidency, the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins, and other collaborators, alongside the seizure of chemicals and illicit substances valued at more than 360 million dollars.

“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 dollars, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” Tinubu said.

The President praised the courage and professionalism of NDLEA operatives and urged the agency not to relent in its campaign against drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.

“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission. I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking,” he said.

Tinubu warned that West Africa is increasingly becoming a strategic transit corridor for narcotics trafficking, as international drug cartels continue to route cocaine, synthetic substances, and unregulated pharmaceuticals through the region to Europe and North America.

“West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America,” he stated.

The President further warned of the social consequences of illicit drugs, particularly their impact on young people, describing the narcotics trade as a major threat to national security and public wellbeing.

“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 said.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians to support the fight against drug trafficking by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not as NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks,” the President added.

He said the success of the operation sends a strong signal that criminal syndicates threatening public safety and national security will face the full force of the law.

“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,” Tinubu said.