President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the bust of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and the dismantling of a multi-million-dollar drug network.
Tinubu described the operation as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against organised crime, narcotics trafficking and transborder criminal networks.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), had on Wednesday announced the breakthrough after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.
The operation involved NDLEA operatives and international security partners.
According to the agency, the operation led to the arrest of some foreign nationals, local kingpins and several collaborators.
Chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360m were also seized during the exercise.
Tinubu said the successful operation showed the professionalism, courage and commitment of NDLEA officers involved in the mission.
The President commended the operatives for their resilience, but warned them not to relax in the fight against drug trafficking.
“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission.
“I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking,” the President said.
Tinubu said the operation had sent a strong message that Nigeria would not allow drug barons and organised criminal groups to operate freely within its territory.
The President also raised the alarm that West Africa had increasingly become a major transit route for illicit drugs.
He said drug barons were using the region to move cocaine, synthetic narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products to Europe and North America.
“West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the development had serious implications for national and regional security.
According to him, drug trafficking networks often fuel organised crime, corruption and violence across borders.
‘Drugs Endanger Future Of Youths’
Tinubu also warned that illicit drugs posed grave dangers to young people across the region.
He said many youths had become victims of addiction and criminal exploitation due to the activities of drug trafficking networks.
“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” the President said.
He added that the fight against narcotics must therefore be seen not only as a security operation but also as a national duty to protect the future generation.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
He said the fight against illicit drugs should not be left to the NDLEA alone.
“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not as the NDLEA’s alone.
“Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities,” he said.
The President said timely information from citizens could help expose criminal operations and illegal trafficking networks across the country.
Tinubu stressed that the NDLEA’s latest success showed that Nigeria’s security agencies were determined to confront organised crime and enforce the law.
He said those involved in criminal activities threatening public safety would be made to face justice.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country and that those who threaten public safety will face the law,” Tinubu said.
The President assured that his administration would continue to support the NDLEA and other security agencies in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, protect communities and strengthen national security.