Nigeria and Ghana have reinforced their joint commitment to combating drug trafficking and related crimes, with authorities warning criminal cartels of intensified regional cooperation.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey.
Marwa said the visit, which focused on studying NDLEA’s operational model, underscores growing collaboration between both countries and sends a strong signal to drug networks operating in West Africa.
He noted that evolving transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and money laundering require coordinated and intelligence-driven responses.
According to him, the engagement goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing operational synergy, intelligence sharing, and joint training efforts between both agencies.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and NACOC, providing a formal framework to tackle illicit drug production, trafficking, and associated financial crimes. Marwa said the agreement establishes a unified and structured front against drug cartels.
In his remarks, Mantey commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, describing the relationship between both countries as rooted in shared history and mutual respect. He said the visit was intended to strengthen existing cooperation and deepen practical collaboration.
He also warned that drug trafficking in West Africa is becoming more complex, with increased use of maritime routes and synthetic drugs, as well as stronger links to other organised crimes. Mantey added that Ghana is witnessing a shift from being mainly a transit point to facing growing domestic drug challenges.
Both officials emphasized that the newly signed agreement must translate into concrete outcomes, including enhanced intelligence exchange, coordinated operations, and sustained institutional collaboration.
The event was attended by Ghana’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, alongside senior officials from both countries.