President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to rally behind the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in combating drug trafficking across the country.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, made the appeal in a statement released Thursday.
Tinubu praised NDLEA operatives for their exceptional work. He specifically commended them for dismantling a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel and destroying a sophisticated illegal drug manufacturing operation.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa unveiled the major bust on Wednesday. The operation followed weeks of intelligence work and meticulous coordination with international agencies.
Operatives arrested multiple foreign nationals and local drug lords. They also seized chemicals and illicit substances valued at more than $360 million.
According to Onanuga, the President was extremely pleased with the outcome. Tinubu described the operation as a display of "exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment."
In his words, he urged NDLEA staff to remain relentless in the battle ahead. "I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking," the statement read.
Tinubu highlighted a troubling trend across West Africa. Drug traffickers, he noted, now use the region as a hub for moving cocaine and synthetic drugs to Europe and North America.
Young Nigerians face particular danger from the drug trade. Many have already fallen victim to addiction and exploitation by criminal syndicates.
The President emphasized this isn't NDLEA's fight alone. Every citizen must become a partner in stopping the drug menace, he stressed.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain watchful in their neighborhoods. Community members should report suspicious activity to security agencies without delay.
He sent a stark warning to organized criminals nationwide. According to him, those endangering public safety and national security will face prosecution.
The successful operation demonstrates Nigeria's resolve against organized crime. Security agencies, Tinubu suggested, are determined to root out criminality wherever it exists.
