Tinubu Reacts as NDLEA Dismantles Nigerian-Mexican Drug Network

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the bust of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and 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 trans-border criminal networks.

The President’s position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

It was gathered that the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), made the disclosure on Wednesday after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.

The operation was carried out by NDLEA operatives and international security partners.

The agency said the operation resulted in the arrest of some foreign nationals, local kingpins and several collaborators.

During the exercise, more than $360m worth of chemicals and illicit drugs were also seized.

Tinubu said the successful operation was a demonstration of the professionalism, courage and commitment of NDLEA officers engaged in the mission.

The President lauded the operatives for their resilience, but warned them not to relax in the fight against drug trafficking.

“I commend the bravery, resilience and dedication shown by NDLEA operatives throughout this mission.

“I tell them not to be complacent in the face of 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 organized criminal groups to operate freely within its territory.

The President also sounded the alarm that West Africa has been increasingly becoming a major transit route for illicit drugs.

He said drug barons were using the region to export cocaine, synthetic narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products to Europe and North America.

He said: “West Africa has emerged as a major concern in the global fight against narcotics, with drug barons using our region as a transit point for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals.

The development had “serious implications for the security of the nation and the region,” Tinubu said.

Drug trafficking networks, he said, often fuel organised crime, corruption and violence across borders.

‘Drugs Threaten Youths Future’
Tinubu also warned that illegal drugs posed serious threats to young people across the region.

He said many youths had been victims of addiction and criminal exploitation as a result of the activities of drug trafficking networks.

“Drugs are not only a serious security threat for our region, but they are also a serious threat to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” said the President.

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, he added.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

He said the fight against illicit drugs should not be left for the NDLEA alone.

“I urge all Nigerians to view the war against illicit drugs as not the NDLEA’s alone.

“Everyone has a part to play. “We should be vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately,” he said.

“Timely information from citizens can help expose criminal operations and illegal trafficking networks across the country,” said the President.

Tinubu said the NDLEA’s latest success showed that Nigeria’s security agencies were determined to confront organised crime and enforce the law.

Those involved in crime that threats public safety would be put to justice, he said.

“This landmark success sends a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country and those who threaten public safety will face the law,” Tinubu said.

The President pledged that his administration would continue to support the NDLEA and other security agencies in their efforts to curb drug trafficking, safeguard communities and enhance national security.