Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have taken a major step forward in their fight against transnational drug trafficking networks as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) signed a landmark memorandum of understanding in Riyadh on Monday.
The agreement, hailed as a strategic milestone by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), is expected to significantly bolster operational collaboration between both countries in combating the global drug menace.
Under the agreement, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will engage in comprehensive intelligence sharing, conduct joint investigations, provide training opportunities through Saudi Arabia’s anti-narcotics academy, and offer operational logistics support.
The pact also includes mechanisms for data exchange on convicted drug offenders.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Marwa emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that the memorandum of understanding marked the deepening of an already robust relationship between the two nations, particularly in narcotics control.
“This partnership is not merely a matter of engagements but has extended to a deeper connection. Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides.
“Addressing this crisis requires unity and collaboration, and this memorandum of understanding offers a framework to achieve that,” Marwa said
Marwa also highlighted NDLEA’s ongoing partnerships with global agencies, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), UK Border Force, and the French and German police, noting Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role as a key ally in this fight.
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According to Marwa, NDLEA’s intensified efforts have yielded significant results over the past four years, including over 57,792 arrests, the conviction of 10,572 offenders, and the seizure of more than 10 million kilograms of illicit drugs.
He added that 22,047 drug users have been rehabilitated across NDLEA’s 33 treatment centres.
Marwa cited several collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, including the interception of 74.12kg of Captagon at Lagos’ Apapa Port in 2021—the first major seizure of its kind in Africa.
He also referenced joint investigations that dismantled networks behind trafficking operations, such as the arrest of traffickers in Jeddah and their Nigerian accomplices.
GDNC Director General, Maj. Gen.Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed satisfaction with the formalization of the partnership after three years of discussions.
“This memorandum of understanding is a testament to the sincerity, resilience, and commitment of NDLEA under the leadership of Gen. Marwa.
“Saudi Arabia remains committed to fully implementing the agreement and supporting NDLEA’s operations in the months ahead,” he said.
The signing ceremony concluded with a symbolic exchange of souvenirs between the two agencies, reinforcing their mutual commitment to global drug control efforts.
