The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their collaborative efforts in tackling the importation and distribution of illicit drugs and fake pharmaceuticals across the country.
Ribadu gave the commendation during a meeting with the leadership of the three agencies at his office in Abuja. The event followed the successful joint destruction of 206 containers and a trailer-load of unwholesome pharmaceutical products and narcotics—one of the largest operations of its kind in recent history.
In addition to that milestone, the NSA highlighted the conclusion of an investigation involving 50 containers under scrutiny, describing the multi-agency approach as a model for national security coordination.
“This is a recognition of the good work you’ve been doing,” Ribadu said. “Nigeria is changing. It won’t be business as usual anymore. We are going after the criminals who bring these poisons into our country.”
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the collaboration as timely, noting that the Service had previously declared a state of emergency on the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals.
“With the support of the NSA, our joint operations have made it possible to swiftly identify, intercept, and destroy dangerous substances,” Adeniyi said. “We are stronger together and will remain vigilant.”
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation aligns with the National Action Plan against drug abuse and unregulated pharmaceutical imports. She disclosed that more than 1,300 security personnel had been deployed nationwide on the NSA’s directive to assist in joint enforcement operations.
“These unregistered and dangerous products pose a grave threat to the health of our women and children,” she said. “The ongoing collaboration between NAFDAC, Customs, and NDLEA is saving lives.”
Also speaking, NDLEA representative, Shadrac Haruna, credited the success of recent seizures to the work of an inter-agency committee initiated by the Comptroller-General of Customs. He said the platform had enhanced intelligence-sharing and improved the dismantling of illegal drug warehouses.
As part of the recognition, the NSA presented plaques and commendation letters to the heads of the three agencies. A Certificate of Destruction for the seized items was also presented to Ribadu, symbolising Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and unsafe pharmaceutical imports.
The move marks a renewed momentum in the fight against narcotics and counterfeit medicines, with authorities pledging sustained cooperation to protect national security and public health.
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