Nigeria and Ghana have strengthened their partnership against drug trafficking, with both countries warning criminal cartels operating across West Africa to brace for tougher, coordinated action.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, gave the warning on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, while receiving a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Ghanaian delegation was on a study tour of NDLEA’s operational model, a visit that also culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies.
Marwa described the engagement as a strong signal of unity between the two countries, stressing that drug traffickers would face increased pressure in the region.
“Let this visit serve as a warning to those who seek to destabilize our societies with illicit drugs: Nigeria and Ghana stand united. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and dominate the tactical space until our streets and communities are safe,” he said.
He noted that the visit reflects the long-standing relationship between both nations and reinforces their shared commitment to regional security.
“The threat posed by transnational organized crime, particularly drug trafficking and its associated money laundering activities, knows no borders. As we have seen, the evolution of these threats requires a response that is not only robust but also deeply collaborative. We recognize that by coming together to share expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively narrowing the space for criminal cartels to operate within our sub-region.
“This visit is more than a study tour; it is a strategic alignment. During your time with us, we look forward to knowledge exchange during which we share the NDLEA’s recent advancements in digital forensics and organizational best practices. Part of the expected gains is operational synergy as we will be discussing emerging trafficking trends that affect the West African corridor, while we equally explore new frontiers for technical cooperation and joint training exercises.”
Marwa described the signing of the MoU as a key outcome of the visit, noting that it would strengthen joint efforts against illicit drugs and related crimes.
“This agreement on combating the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering activities provides us with a legal and operational roadmap. It moves our relationship from informal consultation to a structured, aggressive, and unified front against drug barons,” he added.
In his remarks, Mantey commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, describing the country as a key partner in the fight against drug trafficking.
“Nigeria has consistently played a leading role within our region, and Ghana holds that leadership in the highest regard. In many respects, we look to Nigeria as an elder brother. Beyond that, the relationship between our two countries is deeply valued. It is grounded in shared history, mutual respect, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.”
He said the collaboration between NACOC and NDLEA has continued to grow stronger over the years.
“For us therefore, this visit is not about beginning a new chapter, but about strengthening an already solid foundation, deepening trust, exchanging experiences, and making our collaboration even more practical and impactful.”
Mantey also highlighted the growing complexity of drug trafficking across the region, warning that new trends demand closer cooperation among countries.
“We are witnessing increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods, a greater reliance on maritime corridors, and a growing presence of synthetic drugs. At the same time, the linkages between drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime are becoming more pronounced, with implications for security, governance, and public health.
“In Ghana, we are also observing a gradual shift. While we have historically been considered largely a transit point, there is now a growing domestic dimension, both in terms of drug use and internal distribution. This makes the challenge more complex, but also more urgent. And it reinforces a simple but critical reality: no single country can effectively address this threat in isolation.
“We came with a clear purpose: to exchange experiences, strengthen our institutional relationship, and identify practical areas for enhanced cooperation, particularly in operations, training, and intelligence sharing. Across all these areas, our focus goes beyond activities alone. We are especially interested in the systems behind the successes, the structures, policies, and operational models that ensure consistency, efficiency, and long-term impact.”
He expressed optimism that the newly signed MoU would deliver concrete results.
“We are especially pleased to bring our discussions on bilateral cooperation to a meaningful conclusion with the long-awaited signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marking a significant milestone toward deeper collaboration and a stronger partnership between our two agencies.
“For us, this MOU must go beyond a symbolic gesture. It should translate into real, measurable outcomes, stronger intelligence sharing, more coordinated joint operations, structured training exchanges, and closer day-to-day collaboration between our respective teams. The true value of this partnership will be defined not by what we sign, but by what we implement.”
Mantey also thanked the NDLEA leadership for its hospitality and commitment to cooperation, noting that Ghana remains dedicated to strengthening the relationship.
Also present at the meeting were the acting Ghanaian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, senior officials of the High Commission, members of the NACOC delegation, and top management staff of NDLEA.