WEST AFRICA TIGHTENS ANTI-DRUG ALLIANCE AS NDLEA, NACOC SIGN MoU

WEST AFRICA TIGHTENS ANTI-DRUG ALLIANCE AS NDLEA, NACOC SIGN MoU


By Jennifer Nwosu 

A renewed push for regional cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking is taking shape as Nigeria and Ghana deepen operational ties, signaling a more coordinated West African response to transnational crime. The latest engagement between both countries reflects growing concern that trafficking networks are evolving faster than isolated national efforts can contain.

In a statement released by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed that its' Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig General Mohamed Buba Marwa(Rtd) , hosted a high level delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) led by Maxwell Obuba Mantey in Abuja. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, joint operations and institutional collaboration between both agencies.

 Brig. Gen Marwa described the partnership as both strategic and symbolic, warning that it should serve as a clear signal to drug cartels operating within the sub-region. He noted that the threats posed by drug trafficking and associated money laundering activities transcend national borders, requiring responses that are robust and deeply collaborative. According to him, the agreement marks a transition from informal cooperation to a more structured and unified operational front.

The engagement also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, with Nigeria showcasing advancements in intelligence-led operations, digital forensics and enforcement strategies. For NDLEA, the study tour reinforces its' emerging role as a reference point for institutional reforms in the region, particularly in balancing enforcement with evolving technological capabilities.

For Ghana, the stakes are equally pressing. Mantey acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, describing it as an elder brother in the shared fight against narcotics. He warned that trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with growing reliance on maritime routes, synthetic drugs and deeper links to organized crime. Ghana, he noted, is also witnessing a shift from being primarily a transit point to facing rising domestic consumption and distribution challenges.

Both sides emphasized that the newly signed MoU must translate into measurable outcomes with stronger intelligence flows, coordinated enforcement actions and structured training exchanges.

The presence of acting Ghanaian High Commissioner Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea and senior officials from both countries underscored the diplomatic weight of the initiative.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ICDU DIASPORA CARPETS OBUZOR OF IGBUZO AND ESEWEZIE OVER ALLEGED ABUSE OF OFFICE

Image
ICDU DIASPORA CARPETS OBUZOR OF IGBUZO AND ESEWEZIE OVER ALLEGED ABUSE OF OFFICE  By Jennifer Nwosu  The Igbuzo Community Development Union (ICDU) Diaspora has strongly criticized the Obuzor of Igbuzo, Obi Prof. Chelunor Nwoboshi, and the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, over what it described as an abuse of power and infringement on the rights of the Igbuzo people. In a detailed five-page press statement, the ICDU Diaspora expressed deep concern over actions it claims undermine justice, fairness, and the collective interests of the community. The group accused both leaders of overstepping their authority and acting in ways that could destabilize peace and unity in Igbuzo. The statement further cautioned the Obuzor and the local government chairman to respect the rule of law and uphold the values and traditions of the Igbuzo people. The diaspora body emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to due ...
Read more

SHEHU BAMIDELE SMASHES 8-Ball POOL WORLD RECORD AT POOLFEST NAIJA

Image
SHEHU BAMIDELE SMASHES 8-Ball POOL WORLD RECORD AT POOLFEST NAIJA By Jennifer Nwosu  Lagos added a new highlight to its cultural calendar on September 7th, 2025, when the Silverbird Galleria became the stage for an extraordinary Guinness World Record attempt. Organized by Poolfest Naija and powered by Globus Bank as the official title sponsor, the city played host to five days of non-stop suspense, skill and sporting endurance. At the center of it all was Shehu Bamidele, whose remarkable feat pushed the boundaries of human stamina. With unyielding focus, Shehu played 8-ball pool for an astonishing 112 hours straight, breaking the previous record of 111 hours. The project coordinator, Folajimi Abegunde, described him as relentless and determined", a fitting tribute to a performance that held audiences spellbound for nearly a week. The atmosphere inside the Galleria was electric. Crowds of enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike gathered, mesmerized by Shehu’s mix of endu...
Read more

AKOKO-EDO ADVOCATES FOR HOMEGROWN RESTRUCTURING, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SELF-DETERMINED DEVELOPMENT

Image
AKOKO-EDO ADVOCATES FOR HOMEGROWN RESTRUCTURING, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SELF-DETERMINED DEVELOPMENT By Jennifer Nwosu  The Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA) has reaffirmed the collective desire of the Akoko-Edo people to shape their administrative future through inclusive dialogue and locally inspired proposals, rather than externally driven initiatives. In a statement signed by Barrister Mrs. Mary Opii, Secretary of AEDA, the association emphasized the importance of community consensus in any restructuring process, gently clarifying that the people of Akoko-Edo were not consulted in a recent proposal advocating the creation of Agbelo East and West Local Government Areas. The proposal, credited to Hon. Anamero Dekeri, representing Etsako Federal Constituency was described as one that does not reflect the views or aspirations of Akoko-Edo constituents. AEDA noted that Hon. Dekeri’s constituency does not include Akoko-Edo and as such, his proposal though possibly ...
Read more