President Bola Tinubu has applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following the dismantling of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million.
Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the operation as a landmark success in the country’s fight against organised crime.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), announced the bust on Wednesday, saying that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and meticulous planning by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.
TheFact Daily reports that the operations led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins, and other collaborators, and the dismantling of what the agency described as a highly sophisticated, muti-million-dollar illegal drug production network.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said “This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics.”
“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.
“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 to Europe and North America.
“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.
“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs, not NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks.
“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 and national security will face the wrath of the law.”
