From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
As part of efforts to encourage inter-agency collaboration and promote national security, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their joint operations in combating the importation and distribution of illicit drugs and unwholesome pharmaceuticals.
Ribadu hosted the leadership of the three agencies at his office in Abuja, acknowledging their remarkable efforts in a recent joint operation that led to the destruction of 206 containers and a trailer-load of dangerous substances.
A statement issued on Thursday in Abuja noted that the event also marked the conclusion of a high-profile investigation involving 50 containers previously under scrutiny. Ribadu described the operation as a model for inter-agency synergy and a benchmark for future national security initiatives.
“This is an acknowledgment of the good work you’ve been doing,” Ribadu said. “Nigeria is changing. It will no longer be business as usual. We’ll go after the criminals bringing these poisons into our country.”
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted that the Service had earlier declared a state of emergency on illicit pharmaceutical trafficking. He credited the success of the operation to the unwavering cooperation between Customs, NAFDAC, and the NDLEA, backed by the firm support of the NSA.
“We are stronger together,” Adeniyi stated. “And we will remain vigilant to ensure these harmful substances never reach the wrong hands.”
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the operation aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan on drug abuse and illegal pharmaceutical imports. She revealed that over 1,300 security personnel had been deployed across the country under the directive of the NSA to support enforcement operations led by NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Customs.
“These unregistered and unwholesome products pose a serious threat to our women and children,” she said. “Our continued collaboration is saving lives.”
Representing the NDLEA Chairman, Shadrac Haruna acknowledged the impact of an inter-agency committee established by the Comptroller-General of Customs, describing it as instrumental in removing illicit drugs from the streets and dismantling illegal storage facilities.
In recognition of their contributions, plaques and letters of commendation were presented to the heads of the three agencies. A Certificate of Destruction for the seized substances was also presented to the NSA — a symbolic gesture underscoring the nation’s resolve to eradicate the scourge of illicit drugs.