Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), met with a delegation of senior U.S. Africa Command officials, who promised the agency more cooperation and ongoing support in the fight against illegal drugs.
According to reports, the meeting was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and its main topic was the long-standing cooperation between US authorities and NDLEA.
In order to combat drug trafficking and related crimes, the delegation expressed a willingness to strengthen the current level of cooperation.
The partnership between NDLEA and the US-DEA is crucial to the US government, according to Philip Esch, the team leader and the US Drug Enforcement Administration liaison to AFRICOM.
He stated that the agency appreciates Marwa’s leadership style and his willingness to collaborate with foreign partners, and that the US anticipates further cooperation after his tenure is renewed.
James Elseth, another delegation member, stated that the US was happy to support NDLEA because of the organization’s influence both inside and outside of Nigeria.
He clarified that NDLEA’s efforts support broader regional and international security, pointing out that the organization’s broad perspective is consistent with those of international law enforcement agencies that combat organized crime.
Elseth also commended NDLEA for maintaining facilities and equipment previously supplied by the US government.
He disclosed that two significant support initiatives were already in progress and would supplement the agency’s current training initiatives and other types of aid.
In his reply, Marwa expressed gratitude to the group for their visit and praised US AFRICOM’s consistent support of NDLEA over the years.
Esch’s lengthy and devoted service to the US government was also commended by him.
According to Marwa, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and help from international partners have enabled the NDLEA to make the success that it has.
He emphasized the connection between drug trafficking and terrorism and called for increased support in areas like sniffer dogs, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and airport scanning machines.
The meeting underlined both sides’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in tackling drug-related concerns and enhancing security both in Nigeria and throughout the region.