A delegation of senior officials from the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), during which both parties commended the long-standing partnership between NDLEA and US law enforcement agencies.
Leader of the delegation, Philip Esch, who is the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, described the relationship between NDLEA and the DEA as highly strategic and of great importance to the US government.
He commended Marwa’s leadership and his openness to international cooperation, noting that the existing partnership had yielded significant results.
“We appreciate all the support and leadership you provide. The relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we value the excellent cooperation across US law enforcement agencies with you and the NDLEA,” Esch said.
“We are also pleased that your tenure has been renewed for another five years and we look forward to continued engagement.”
Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, expressed enthusiasm about supporting NDLEA, citing the Agency’s remarkable achievements and its positive impact beyond Nigeria.
“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional and international mindset, which is clearly reflected in the scope and impact of your work,” Elseth said.
“A lot of countries focus only on their internal challenges, but like the DEA and FBI, NDLEA understands the need to stop organised crime from affecting multiple countries.”
He commended NDLEA for the effective maintenance of equipment and facilities previously provided by the US government and disclosed that two major support projects were already underway, alongside continued training and capacity-building initiatives.
In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the sustained support from US AFRICOM and other international partners.
“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. Whatever successes we have recorded are due to this kind of support and the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa said.
He urged the delegation to deepen support for NDLEA, particularly in view of the growing nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
Marwa highlighted priority areas requiring further assistance, including airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs.
NTA Network News