A delegation of senior officials from the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of enhanced collaboration and sustained support in the fight against illicit drugs.
The delegation, which visited NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, met with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and commended the strong and productive partnership between NDLEA and US law enforcement agencies.
Leader of the delegation, Mr. Philip Esch, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, described the relationship between NDLEA and the US-DEA as strategic and highly valued by the US government. He praised Marwa’s leadership style and openness to international cooperation, noting that the partnership has yielded significant results.
“We appreciate the leadership you provide and the excellent relationship NDLEA enjoys across US law enforcement agencies. We are pleased with the renewal of your tenure and look forward to continued engagement,” Esch said.
Another member of the delegation, Mr. James Elseth, lauded NDLEA’s impact beyond Nigeria, stressing that the Agency’s work contributes to regional and global security. He noted that NDLEA’s international outlook aligns with the approach of agencies such as the DEA and FBI in combating transnational organised crime. Elseth also disclosed that two major support projects are already underway, in addition to ongoing training programmes.
Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and the consistent support from US AFRICOM, describing international cooperation as critical to NDLEA’s achievements. He also acknowledged the backing of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He further highlighted the link between drug trafficking and terrorism, urging AFRICOM to sustain and expand support, particularly in the areas of airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory facilities and sniffer dogs.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of NDLEA and US AFRICOM to strengthening collaboration against drug trafficking and related security threats.
