The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service NCS have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing inter-agency collaboration to tackle drug trafficking and transnational organised crime across Nigeria’s borders.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, where a joint communiqué was signed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Both agencies acknowledged the growing sophistication of organised criminal networks, stressing that a coordinated institutional response is essential to effectively curb illicit drug trafficking and related crimes.
Under the new framework, the NDLEA and Customs will streamline their operations to eliminate overlaps, reduce inter-agency conflicts, and improve intelligence sharing. The partnership is also expected to strengthen border security while facilitating legitimate trade.
Key components of the agreement include the establishment of a secure platform for real-time intelligence exchange to prevent criminal activities, as well as the creation of joint task forces at strategic locations such as seaports, airports, and land borders.
The communiqué also provides for the formation of a Standing Inter-Agency Committee to address operational disputes swiftly, while ensuring that both agencies respect each other’s legal mandates and jurisdictions.
Speaking on the development, the leadership of both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, mutual respect, and national interest in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
They noted that the enhanced collaboration would create a stronger barrier against the trafficking of illicit substances, while improving the overall security architecture at the country’s entry and exit points.
The initiative highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to adopt a unified approach in addressing emerging threats posed by organised crime networks.