A delegation of senior officials from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirming their commitment to strengthened collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.
The delegation commended the existing partnership between NDLEA and AFRICOM and assured the Agency of continued and enhanced support, particularly in addressing the growing nexus between drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism.
Leader of the delegation, Philip Esch, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, described the relationship between NDLEA and the US-DEA as strategic and of critical importance to the United States Government. He praised Marwa’s leadership style and openness to international cooperation.
“We appreciate all the support and leadership you provide. The relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance to us, and we value the excellent collaboration across US law enforcement agencies with you and the NDLEA. We are pleased that your tenure has been renewed for another five years and we look forward to continued engagement,” Esch said.
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Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, expressed enthusiasm about supporting NDLEA, noting that the Agency’s achievements in Nigeria have positive implications beyond the country’s borders.
“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional and international mindset that clearly reflects in the scope and impact of your work. Many agencies focus only on their national challenges, but like the DEA and FBI, NDLEA understands the global nature of organised crime,” he stated.
Elseth also commended NDLEA for the effective maintenance and utilization of equipment and facilities previously provided by the US government. He disclosed that two major support projects were already underway, in addition to ongoing training programmes and other forms of assistance.
Responding, Brig Gen Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and the sustained support from AFRICOM and other US agencies.
He also congratulated Philip Esch on his years of distinguished service to the United States Government.
“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from AFRICOM. Much of what we have achieved is a result of this support from you and our other international partners, as well as the encouragement and commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Marwa said.
He called for increased assistance to NDLEA, particularly in view of the strong link between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
According to him, priority areas of need include airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs, among others.
The meeting further reinforced the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating transnational crime and strengthening regional and global security.
