The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to strengthen efforts against international drug trafficking and dismantle criminal networks operating along the Nigeria-Australia route.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the agreement as a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels, warning that traffickers would find it increasingly difficult to operate between both countries.
Under the agreement, the two agencies will collaborate in four major areas: intelligence sharing, joint operations, capacity building and professional development, as well as controlled drug deliveries to strengthen investigations and arrest high-value suspects.
Marwa explained that drug trafficking networks had become increasingly sophisticated, with Nigerian organised crime groups reportedly expanding their activities along the Australia-Pacific route, particularly involving methamphetamine and cocaine.
He noted that Nigeria was being exploited as both a transit and sourcing hub, stressing that international cooperation was essential to tackling the growing threat.
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The NDLEA chairman also highlighted recent enforcement successes, including the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for export and the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories allegedly linked to Mexican nationals.
He further recalled the successful dismantling of a Switzerland-based drug cartel allegedly operated by a Nigerian, Simon Amadi, following more than a year of joint investigations involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies in France, Greece and Switzerland.
Leading the Australian delegation, Sandra Booth said organised drug trafficking was increasingly funding other criminal activities, including violent attacks, gang conflicts and other serious offences.
She emphasised that the partnership would help protect vulnerable populations, particularly young people, from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The Australian official expressed confidence that closer collaboration between both countries would strengthen intelligence gathering, disrupt criminal networks and prevent illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities.
The signing ceremony was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, Deputy High Commissioner Timothy Milikan, members of the AFP delegation and senior NDLEA officials
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