Bolstering the global front against narcotics, a senior delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) met with Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The high-level talks focused on deepening the existing synergy between both organizations, with AFRICOM pledging expanded technical support and strategic collaboration to dismantle transnational drug networks.
NDLEA Spokesman Femi Babafemi relayed remarks from Philip Esch (US-DEA Liaison to AFRICOM) on January 13, 2026, who described the alliance as ‘highly important’ to Washington. Esch clarified that the NDLEA-DEA connection is more than just a partnership—it is a critical strategic asset for the U.S. government in maintaining regional stability and security.
Commending Marwa’s transformative leadership, Esch praised the NDLEA Chairman’s commitment to ‘open-door’ global diplomacy, calling it a catalyst for the agency’s recent operational breakthroughs.
James Elseth, a member of the delegation, lauded the NDLEA’s ‘tremendous work’ in Nigeria, noting that the Agency’s impact extends far beyond its borders to bolster global security.
“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. Obviously, you know that the relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we appreciate the excellent relationship across US law enforcement with you and the NDLEA. We want that to continue and we are very happy that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement” Esch stated.
According to him, “I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, that is showing clearly in the scope and impact of your work. A lot of countries that we work with are only focused on their country. And just like DEA and FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organized crime from impacting our respective countries.”
Commending the NDLEA for its exemplary stewardship of U.S.-provided resources, he announced that two major support projects are already in the pipeline. This upcoming phase of collaboration will further strengthen the Agency through advanced infrastructure, strategic training, and mission-critical assets.
In a warm reception, Chairman Marwa hailed the vital support from US-AFRICOM, citing the collaboration as a cornerstone of the NDLEA’s recent successes. Marwa also took the opportunity to celebrate Philip Esch’s retirement/legacy, commending his exemplary years of service and dedication to international security.
“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners and more importantly due to the commitment and encouragement from the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu”, he stated.
He underscored the urgency of supporting the NDLEA as a frontline defense against drug-funded terrorism. To scale their impact, he advocated for a modern equipment overhaul—ranging from digital forensics and airport scanners to portable detection tools and sniffer dogs.
