UNODC Declares Nigeria No Longer Safe for Drug Cartels

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug cartels, attributing this shift to a decisive crackdown led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). During a visit to Abuja, UNODC representative Cheikh Ousman highlighted the importance of Nigeria's efforts in combating international drug trafficking.

The NDLEA, under the leadership of Brig Gen Moham Buba Marwa (Rtd), has made significant strides since 2021, showcasing courage and professionalism in enforcement actions and expanding prevention and treatment programs. Marwa noted that Nigeria's strategic location had historically made it vulnerable to drug trafficking, but recent actions have sent a strong signal to global drug networks.

The UNODC commended the NDLEA for its new interrogation facilities and infrastructure investments, urging replication across the agency's commands nationwide. Marwa expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from UNODC and the U.S.

INL, reaffirming the agency's readiness to build on its recent gains.