In a significant push to curb the use of Nigeria’s road networks for drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to strengthen surveillance and security across parks, depots, and major transport routes nationwide.
The strategic alliance was announced during a courtesy visit by the President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. Othman, accompanied by other top executives of the association, pledged full cooperation with the anti-narcotics agency to ensure road transport vehicles are no longer exploited by criminal syndicates.
“This visit is not ceremonial. It reflects our commitment to aligning with the NDLEA’s mission,” Othman said. “We acknowledge the unfortunate reality that our trucks and buses, which connect every part of the country, have occasionally been misused to move illicit drugs. That must end.”
He outlined several action points NARTO is proposing to support the NDLEA’s fight against drug trafficking. These include:
- Deployment of NDLEA officers at key transport parks and fuel depots.
- Mandatory drug testing for drivers.
- Nationwide sensitization and training for transport operators to identify and report suspicious behavior or cargo.
- Joint intelligence-sharing efforts to track drug trafficking patterns.
- Public awareness campaigns leveraging NARTO’s extensive operational footprint.
“Our highways must not serve as pipelines for narcotics. We want a transport industry that is safe, secure, and contributes positively to public health and national security,” Othman added.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), welcomed the move, describing NARTO’s willingness to collaborate as timely and commendable.
“We’ve always seen NARTO as a key stakeholder, and I’m glad to see your commitment today,” Marwa said. “Our parks and depots are critical checkpoints. Your cooperation will help us monitor them more effectively.”
He urged transport owners to thoroughly vet the drivers they employ, warning that vehicles used for drug trafficking risk being confiscated or lost in drug-related incidents.
“Prevention is better than seizure. Conducting background checks can save lives, livelihoods, and reputations,” Marwa stated.
The new partnership marks a pivotal shift in NDLEA’s community-focused strategy, as the agency intensifies its war against illicit drugs by enlisting allies across multiple sectors, especially those with wide national reach like road transport.
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