NDLEA seeks stronger collaboration to tackle drug trafficking, abuse at seaports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for greater collaboration among security agencies, maritime stakeholders and international partners to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse through Nigeria's seaports.
The appeal was made on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the Agency's Marine Port Area (MAPA) Strategic Command in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Strategic Commander, MAPA Strategic Command, Commander of Narcotics Suleyman Karim-O-Motesho, said this year's theme, *"The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses,"* underscores the need for coordinated, intelligence-led and evidence-based responses to the evolving drug menace.
He observed that illicit drug trafficking continues to undermine economic development, fuel insecurity and threaten the future of young people, while organised criminal networks are increasingly exploiting technological advancement to facilitate the movement of illicit drugs across international borders.
According to him, the command intercepted 13 containers laden with illicit substances from three international vessels between June 2025 and June 2026, in a series of operations carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service and other stakeholders.
Karim-O-Motesho added that the command also secured convictions and fines exceeding $12 billion involving two international vessels and three drug traffickers during the period under review.
"Our maritime corridor must remain a secure space for legitimate trade and not become an avenue for the movement of substances capable of destabilising communities," he said.
He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for providing the enabling environment for the command's operations and urged members of the public, particularly young people, to avoid substance abuse.
"Drug abuse begins in the mind. Don't go into it because once you get involved, it takes divine intervention to come out," he warned.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Command, CSV Christy Ogwe-Macys described the commemoration as a reminder of the devastating impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on individuals, families, communities and national development.
Addressing students at the event, she urged them to resist peer pressure and become advocates against substance abuse.
"This is a call to action. Drugs are taking over our communities. Let us all leave here with a message that will help secure the future of our children," she said.
Also speaking, Commander Mui Wa, Commander of the Ex-Combatant Unit, stressed that the fight against organised crime requires security agencies to remain proactive and adaptive.
"Criminality is dynamic. Criminals are organised, well-funded and constantly changing tactics. Law enforcement agencies cannot afford to remain static," he said, calling for stronger collaboration among domestic and international agencies.
Delivering the keynote lecture, a former Deputy Director of Treatment and Rehabilitation at the NDLEA and founder of CREGIO Life Centre, Lagos, Pastor Mrs. Felicia Echukwu, highlighted emerging threats, including synthetic drugs, online drug markets and the growing incidence of polydrug use.
She advocated a public health-centred approach to drug control through family- and school-based prevention programmes, community engagement, improved access to rehabilitation facilities, mental health services and technology-driven interventions such as telehealth counselling.
Echukwu disclosed that CREGIO Life Centre has rehabilitated more than 180 persons with substance use disorders since its establishment, adding that recovery requires sustained family support and follow-up to prevent relapse.
The event attracted representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Marine Intelligence Unit, United Kingdom Home Office International Operations Unit, maritime stakeholders, students and members of the media, all of whom renewed their commitment to protecting Nigeria's maritime domain from drug trafficking.
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