A delegation of senior officials from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Tuesday met with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) commended the strong working relationship between the two agencies and assured enhanced collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.
The delegation, led by Philip Esch, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, praised the leadership of the NDLEA boss and described the partnership between the NDLEA and US-DEA as critical to the United States government.
Speaking during the meeting at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Esch said the relationship between the two agencies goes beyond routine cooperation.
“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. Obviously, you know that the relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we appreciate the excellent relationship across US law enforcement with you and the NDLEA,” he said.
Esch added that the US government was pleased with the renewal of Marwa’s tenure, noting that it would further strengthen ongoing engagements.
“We want that to continue, and we are delighted that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement,” he stated.
Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, expressed enthusiasm about supporting the NDLEA, describing the agency’s work as impactful not only within Nigeria but across the region and beyond.
“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, which is showing clearly in the scope and impact of your work,” Elseth said.
According to him, many countries focus solely on internal challenges, but the NDLEA’s approach aligns with the international outlook of agencies such as the DEA and FBI.
“Just like DEA and FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organised crime from impacting our respective countries,” he added.
Elseth also commended the NDLEA for the proper maintenance of equipment and facilities previously provided by the US government, assuring that two major support projects were already underway. He noted that these would complement ongoing training programmes and other forms of assistance.
Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and for the sustained support from US-AFRICOM, while also congratulating Philip Esch on his years of meritorious service to the US government.
“We appreciate the ongoing support from AFRICOM. I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman also attributed the agency’s successes to the backing of the Federal Government.
“More importantly, it is due to the commitment and encouragement from the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa stated.
He urged the US delegation to deepen its support for the agency, particularly in light of the link between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
Marwa highlighted key areas where additional assistance would be beneficial, including airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment and sniffer dogs.
