NDLEA, Customs to curb transnational organised crime through new inter-agency partnership
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have taken a significant step to curb drug trafficking by signing a comprehensive collaborative framework aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation and border security.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, jointly signed a communiqué formalising the partnership.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of transnational organised crime, particularly drug trafficking, which both agencies noted requires a more coordinated and strategic response. According to the communiqué, the new framework is designed to “eliminate operational overlaps, minimise inter-agency friction, and create a seamless flow of intelligence.”
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Marwa and Adeniyi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between their agencies, stressing the importance of professionalism and mutual respect. They noted that such collaboration is essential to effectively safeguard national security while also facilitating legitimate trade activities across Nigeria’s borders.
Furthermore, the communiqué outlined key areas of immediate cooperation, including the establishment of a secure platform for the exchange of actionable intelligence aimed at preventing criminal activities before they occur. It also provides for the creation of joint task forces at critical operational points, with clearly defined leadership structures and guidelines.
In addition, both agencies agreed to respect each other’s legal mandates and jurisdictions to avoid unnecessary interference in operations. They also announced the formation of a Standing Inter-Agency Committee tasked with resolving disputes promptly and amicably, ensuring smooth coordination at all times.
The partnership will also see enhanced collaboration at seaports, airports, and land borders, where both agencies pledged to improve enforcement efficiency without duplicating efforts or causing delays to legitimate trade. This, they believe, will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s border management system.
Reiterating the importance of the initiative, Marwa and Adeniyi described the collaboration as a national priority, emphasizing that aligning the strengths of both agencies would create “a more formidable barrier against the trafficking of illicit substances” and enhance the overall security architecture of Nigeria’s entry and exit points. The statement was issued by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
