The US government has provided reassurances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of enhanced support in their battle against substance abuse and the illegal trafficking of drugs.

Dr. Mark Hove from the Africa and Middle East Office, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, conveyed the assurance during a courtesy visit to Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Accompanying Dr. Hove was Craig Nixon, a senior official of the bureau. The visit was prompted by an official letter from the bureau, announcing a U.S. project grant to the NDLEA, in response to requests made by Marwa during meetings in Abuja and Washington DC, as stated by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

The letter specifically mentioned that the grant, to be executed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, would support the enhancement of the NDLEA's forensic and chemical analysis capabilities, intelligence-driven investigations using various resources, and the provision of books and an e-library for prosecution and other legal requirements.

During the visit, Hove praised the NDLEA for its accomplishments thus far and expressed his contentment with the agency's proactive response to the dangers posed by dangerous illicit drugs like Fentanyl, Captagon, and Methamphetamine.

Hove highlighted the remarkable achievement of the NDLEA operatives in seizing over 2.1 tons of cocaine in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, describing it as an extraordinary accomplishment. In response, Marwa expressed gratitude to the bureau for its support to the NDLEA and its willingness to provide further assistance.

Marwa emphasized that this support would significantly enhance the investigative and prosecutorial capabilities of the NDLEA, particularly given the recent amendment of the agency's enabling Act by the National Assembly, aimed at strengthening its operations.

The Chairman of NDLEA expressed his contentment with the collaboration between the agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in combating illicit drug trafficking between the United States and Nigeria, as well as globally.

Marwa also emphasized the need for increased collaboration, particularly in addressing the issue of Fentanyl and other dangerous substances.