National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chairman, Buba Marwa, has stated that smuggling illicit substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport has become extremely challenging due to heightened security and anti-narcotics operations.

Marwa described the Lagos airport as one of the most tightly monitored airports globally in the fight against drug trafficking.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit focused on the agency’s operational strategies.

According to Marwa, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is essential in addressing the rising threat posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the West African region.

“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,” he said.

He noted that the visit goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between both anti-drug agencies.

Marwa said the engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices.

He added that enhanced collaboration would boost efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.

During the visit, NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at formalising cooperation between the two agencies.

Marwa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating within the region.

“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 said.

In his remarks, Mantey stated that the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between both countries and improve operational collaboration.

“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,” he said.

He further observed that drug trafficking operations across the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making stronger cross-border partnerships necessary to effectively combat emerging threats.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during a road maintenance operation in Borno State.

The development was disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X handle.

Military sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday by troops of the 5 Brigade under Operation Desert Sanity.

The suspects were identified as Madu Bagoni Bunu, 32; Kaka Hana, 28; Kwado Bukar, 25; Modu Goni Musa, 28; Lahari Hassan Taira, 30; and Bulama M. Kiari, 25.

According to the sources, the suspects were travelling in an Isuzu pickup vehicle with registration number YOBE AF 106 GDM when they attempted to flee upon sighting troops.

“The suspects abandoned the vehicle and tried to escape, but were pursued and apprehended by the troops,” the sources said.

Items recovered from them included five mobile phones, comprising Redmi, Infinix, Tecno and Itel devices. as well as two new sewing machines.

Others were 10 bundles of assorted clothing materials suspected to be intended for the production of terrorist uniforms, five 25-litre containers of groundnut oil, and two sacks of different varieties of green tea.

Security personnel also recovered seven large wraps of kola nuts, an empty jerrycan, two ATM cards linked to OPay and Moniepoint accounts, the Isuzu pickup vehicle, and N5,077,700 in cash.

Military authorities said the suspects are currently in the custody of the 5 Brigade, where they are undergoing preliminary investigation.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and cut off supplies to insurgent groups operating in the North-East.

The military added that the general security situation in the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain satisfactory.