The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation against transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria–Australia route.
The agreement was signed on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the agreement as a declaration of war against international drug cartels.
Marwa said the partnership would strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, professional development and controlled delivery operations between the two agencies.
He noted that drug trafficking networks had become increasingly sophisticated, with Nigerian organised crime groups allegedly linked to the Australia-Pacific drug route, particularly in the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to him, the partnership would make the Nigeria-Australia drug route increasingly difficult for traffickers to exploit.
Marwa also highlighted recent NDLEA operations, including the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for export, the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories and international operations targeting drug trafficking networks.
In her remarks, the head of the Australian Federal Police delegation, Sandra Booth, described the partnership as an important step towards tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable communities.
She said drug trafficking was increasingly connected to other serious crimes, including gang violence and organised criminal activities.
Booth noted that while Nigeria serves as a transit country, Australia remains a destination market for illicit drugs, making international cooperation essential.
She commended the NDLEA for its efforts in drug prevention and enforcement, adding that Australia was committed to working with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks.
The ceremony was attended by Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, Deputy High Commissioner Timothy Milikan and senior officials from both agencies.
The agreement is expected to strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations and enforcement efforts against international drug trafficking networks.
