Tinubu Appluads NDLEA Over Bust of Nigerian-Mexican Drug Cartel, $360m Seizure
Oru Leonard
President Bola Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a major transborder drug trafficking syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican operatives, describing the operation as a landmark success in the fight against organised crime.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the agency for uncovering what he described as a sophisticated multi-million-dollar illicit drug production network operating within the country.
The operation, announced by NDLEA Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, reportedly followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated action involving international partners.
President Tinubu said the operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and narcotics valued at more than $360 million, demonstrated “exceptional professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment” by the anti-narcotics agency.
He praised the operatives for their bravery and resilience, while urging them not to relent in confronting drug trafficking networks across the country.
The President expressed concern over the growing role of West Africa as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals destined for Europe and North America, warning that the narcotics trade poses a serious threat to regional security and the future of young people.
According to him, the menace of illicit drugs must not be left to security agencies alone, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities within their communities to relevant authorities.
Tinubu further stated that the successful operation sends a strong signal that Nigeria will not tolerate organised crime or threats to public safety and national security.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law,” the President said.
