The NDLEA says it is ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations and training against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), announced the agency’s position when Egyptian Ambassador Mohammed Fouad visited him in Abuja on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Marwa said Nigeria and Egypt have maintained a strong bilateral relationship over the years.
He noted that the global drug problem makes closer cooperation between both countries more important.
He described drug trafficking as a worldwide challenge that affects every region. He said countries must work together to stop criminal networks.
Marwa explained that the NDLEA already works with several international partners.
These include the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau of the United States, the UK’s National Crime Agency, the UK Border Force, the French Police, the German Criminal Police, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau and the UK’s Home Office International Operations.
Marwa said the planned MoU with Egypt would improve intelligence sharing and strengthen cooperation between both agencies.
“We’re very excited that we’re going to collaborate with Egypt through an MoU,” he said.
He added that drug cartels have started looking for new routes in Africa because of growing pressure in other regions.
According to him, African countries must stay united to stop the criminal groups.
Marwa also highlighted recent NDLEA successes against international drug syndicates. He said the agency dismantled a methamphetamine laboratory worth $362 million about two months ago.
He added that Mexican nationals operated the facility in a remote forest in Nigeria. He explained that the NDLEA recently shut down another meth laboratory allegedly operated by other Mexican nationals in a different state.
According to him, signing the MoU will create a stronger institutional framework for Nigeria and Egypt to fight narcotics together.
Egypt seeks closer collaboration
Earlier, Ambassador Mohammed Fouad stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
He said Egypt and Nigeria, as two leading African nations, should tackle narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective because the problem affects societies across Africa.
The envoy said he visited the NDLEA to discuss practical ways both countries can work together against illicit drug trafficking.
He also said he wanted to understand the agency’s priorities and explore how Egypt could support its ongoing efforts.
External links
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): https://www.unodc.org
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): https://ndlea.gov.ng
INTERPOL – Drugs and Organized Crime: https://www.interpol.int/Crimes/Drug-trafficking
