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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Arewa Think Tank has commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), for what it described as a “historic and courageous breakthrough” following the dismantling of a notorious Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine production syndicate operating in the country.
In a statement issued by the Convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the northern advocacy organisation praised Marwa and the NDLEA for what it called a decisive blow against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking networks threatening Nigeria’s national security and public health.
Yakubu said the successful operation, which led to the discovery and shutdown of what has been described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever uncovered in Nigeria, demonstrates the effectiveness of Marwa’s leadership and the renewed operational strength of the anti-narcotics agency.
“The Arewa Think Tank wishes to wholeheartedly commend Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) and the gallant operatives of the NDLEA for this unprecedented operational success against international drug cartels operating within Nigeria,” the statement said.
He noted that the arrest of three Mexican methamphetamine experts alongside several Nigerian collaborators sends a strong signal that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for transnational drug syndicates.
According to the group, the operation has further reinforced public confidence in the NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership, describing him as “a patriotic and result-oriented leader committed to safeguarding the future of Nigerian youths.”
The group also stated that the seizure of over 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the international market prevented what could have been devastating circulation of illicit drugs across Nigerian communities.
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“This singular operation has saved countless Nigerian youths from destruction, addiction, criminality and death. The implications of allowing such dangerous substances into society would have been catastrophic,” Yakubu added.
The Arewa Think Tank also praised the professionalism and bravery of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit and the agency’s Chemical and Forensic Team for successfully carrying out the coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos states.
The group described the operation as a major victory in Nigeria’s ongoing war against drug trafficking, organised crime and insecurity, stressing that illicit drug networks often fuel violent crimes, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and social instability.
Yakubu urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting the NDLEA with modern technology, intelligence support, logistics and manpower to sustain the momentum in the fight against narcotics and criminal cartels.
He also called on Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities, especially hidden facilities used for illicit drug production.
“The Arewa Think Tank stands firmly with the NDLEA in this national assignment. We believe the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is critical to the security, stability and future prosperity of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The NDLEA had earlier announced the dismantling of the sophisticated drug cartel following a coordinated operation by its elite Special Operations Unit, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects, including alleged kingpin, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian collaborators.
NDLEA Chairman, Marwa, while addressing journalists in Abuja, described the operation as another major blow against transnational organised crime, warning that the agency would continue to track and dismantle criminal drug networks operating anywhere within the country.
