By Daniel Edu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have formed a joint team aimed at intensifying the fight against drug and human trafficking, as well as substance abuse.The collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, to NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.Marwa congratulated Bello on her new role and praised her early efforts to drive reform in the agency. He noted the link between drug and human trafficking, highlighting cases where trafficked individuals are unknowingly used as drug couriers or are drugged into compliance.“There is a natural intersection between the crimes our agencies are tackling,” Marwa said. “Some trafficked victims are drugged or manipulated into transporting illegal substances. A formal agreement will help define areas of collaboration.”He announced that NDLEA has formed a three-member team to work with NAPTIP on joint initiatives.In her remarks, Bello stressed the urgent need for a coordinated response to overlapping criminal networks.“Women and children are often exploited as drug couriers, and victims of human trafficking are subjected to substance abuse to enforce control,” she said. “Both crimes thrive on weak institutions, porous borders, and corruption.”Bello proposed several focus areas for the partnership, including joint investigations, intelligence sharing, and public awareness campaigns. She also recommended creating a joint strategic action plan, regular review meetings, and collaboration with international partners.She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to professionalism and joint action, saying that stronger cooperation would lead to greater protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
