Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU to deepen Anti-Drug Partnership, curb Cross-Border Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster cooperation in tackling cross-border drug trafficking and criminal networks operating between both nations.

The MoU, signed on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, outlines several key areas of collaboration, including intelligence sharing, joint investigations, access to Saudi training facilities, provision of operational support, and exchange of data on convicted traffickers.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who led the Nigerian delegation alongside Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Sule Ningi, described the agreement as a historic milestone in bilateral anti-narcotics cooperation.

“This MoU is not just about formalities—it reflects a deep partnership and shared determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten global safety,” Marwa said. “Illicit drugs are a global menace requiring collective action across ideological and geographic divides.”

He highlighted Nigeria’s strong history of collaboration with global partners such as the US DEA, UK NCA, French and German police, and stressed Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role as one of Nigeria’s key allies in the fight against drug trafficking.

Marwa revealed that within the last four years, NDLEA has arrested 57,792 drug offenders, including 65 major traffickers, seized over 10 million kilograms of illicit substances, and secured over 10,572 convictions. Additionally, 22,047 drug users have been rehabilitated across 33 treatment centres in Nigeria.

He also pointed to successful joint operations between both countries, including the 2021 seizure of 74.12kg of Captagon at Apapa Port—Africa’s first bust of the powerful opioid—based on Saudi intelligence. The arrest of three Nigerian women in Jeddah in 2023 further led to the dismantling of a major trafficking ring after NDLEA traced their local accomplices.

Director General of GDNC, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed satisfaction at the long-awaited agreement, noting that it followed over three years of talks. He praised Marwa’s leadership and commitment, promising full Saudi support for the implementation of the MoU.

Marwa also used the occasion to request additional support from Saudi Arabia to strengthen NDLEA’s capabilities.