In order to combat drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, Nigeria and Ghana have increased their bilateral collaboration. Both nations have promised to respond to the threat throughout West Africa in a more coordinated and forceful manner.
Mohamed Buba Marwa, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s chairman and chief executive officer, announced this on Tuesday while welcoming a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to the agency’s Abuja headquarters.
The Ghanaian group, under the direction of its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, was on a study visit in Nigeria to observe the NDLEA’s working model and investigate potential areas for improved cooperation.
According to Marwa, the renewed alliance warns drug cartels operating in the area that both nations are unified in their determination to dismantle illicit drug networks.
He added that more cooperation in intelligence-led operations, interdiction tactics, and digital forensics will drastically reduce the operational space available to criminal syndicates and that the visit highlights the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Ghana.
He characterizes the engagement as a strategic alignment intended to improve cooperative training programs, promote technical cooperation, and increase operational synergy, going beyond a typical study visit.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDLEA and NACOC to combat the illegal manufacture of psychotropic compounds, their precursors, and related money laundering operations was one of the visit’s main highlights. The pact, according to Marwa, is a crucial step in creating a cohesive and organized front against drug trafficking in the subregion.
Mantey praised Nigeria’s leadership in regional security during his speech, calling the nation a “elder brother” whose institutional strength and expertise continue to direct cooperative efforts in West Africa.
He emphasized that greater regional collaboration is necessary due to the changing nature of drug trafficking, which is characterized by sophisticated smuggling techniques, increased use of marine routes, and the rising prevalence of synthetic narcotics.
Mantey also outlined new issues in Ghana, pointing out that the country has changed from being mainly a transit hub for illegal drugs to seeing an increase in local consumption and distribution. He claimed that this change has made concerted action more urgent.
He underlined that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding must provide observable results, such as enhanced intelligence sharing, cooperative operations, and ongoing institutional cooperation between the two agencies.
The head of NACOC thanked the NDLEA for its hospitality and dedication to strengthening bilateral relations, reiterating Ghana’s willingness to fortify the alliance for greater influence.
Dr. Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, the acting Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, was present at the event along with high-ranking officials from both nations.
