NDLEA, UAE Drug Agency Partner Against Nigeria-UAE Trafficking Route

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Arab Emirates’ National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen fight against drug trafficking along the Nigeria-UAE corridor.

The agreement was signed on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the pact would deepen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement operations between both countries.

Marwa disclosed that NDLEA intercepted about 354.7 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, Rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, in consignments destined for the UAE between 2021 and 2026. The seizures resulted in arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects.

Under the partnership, both agencies will strengthen exchange of operational information, liaison personnel and technical expertise to disrupt trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE route.

The UAE agency also agreed to provide Nigerian travellers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items to help prevent inadvertent violations of UAE drug laws.

Both sides expressed confidence that the agreement would lead to stronger cooperation and more effective joint operations against drug trafficking networks.