Senior officials of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria in the global fight against illicit drugs, describing the partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as strategically vital to international security.
The assurance came during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, between an AFRICOM delegation and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, in Nigeria.
Leading the delegation was the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, Philip Esch who praised the strength and impact of the long-standing relationship between the NDLEA and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
“The relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we appreciate the excellent relationship across U.S. law enforcement with you and the NDLEA,” Esch said.
“We want that to continue and we are very happy that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement,” he added.
Esch described the collaboration not merely as a partnership but one of high strategic importance to the United States government, commending Marwa’s leadership and openness to international cooperation.
Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, highlighted the broader global impact of NDLEA’s work, noting that Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts contribute directly to the security of other countries.
“You have a regional mindset and an international mindset, that is showing clearly in the scope and impact of your work,” Elseth said.
“Just like DEA and FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organized crime from impacting our respective countries.”
Elseth also commended NDLEA for effectively maintaining U.S.-donated equipment and facilities, while revealing that two major U.S.-backed projects are already underway to further support the agency, alongside continued training and technical assistance.
While speaking, Marwa welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for AFRICOM’s sustained support, stressing that NDLEA’s achievements are closely tied to international partnerships and domestic political backing.
“Whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners, and more importantly due to the commitment and encouragement from the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Marwa urged the United States to expand support in critical areas, citing the growing nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
He said the Agency will appreciate more support on scanning equipment at the airports, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection equipment, forensic laboratory equipment and sniffer dogs among others