The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have agreed to deepen their collaboration in combating drug and human trafficking, as well as substance abuse.
This renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, to NDLEA headquarters on Friday in Abuja.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, congratulated Adamu-Bello on her appointment and emphasized the close ties between drug and human trafficking.
“There is a clear link between drug and human trafficking.
Some victims are used as drug mules—knowingly or unknowingly—sometimes even drugged into submission,” Marwa said.
“This is an area where stronger collaboration is needed, and we should formalize it with a Memorandum of Understanding to define our joint efforts.”
Marwa announced a three-member liaison team from the NDLEA that will work closely with NAPTIP to implement areas of mutual interest.
In her remarks, Adamu-Bello stressed the increasing connection between human and drug trafficking, particularly the exploitation of women and children as couriers.
She outlined key areas for potential collaboration, including:
Joint investigations and intelligence sharing
Capacity building and cross-agency training
Victim-centred support strategies
Data and technology integration
Public awareness campaigns
Legal and policy reforms
“NAPTIP is fully committed to a productive partnership, driven by professionalism and patriotic service,” she affirmed.