NDLEA Boosts Drug War with New Forensic Labs, Upgrades Lagos Facility

In a historic breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has ended a 25-year reliance on a single forensic laboratory by commissioning two new state-of-the-art facilities in Abuja and Enugu, while also upgrading its Lagos lab. The expansion marks a major stride in the agency’s efforts to enhance drug analysis, speed up prosecutions, and strengthen the national fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

The newly established forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu are strategically located and equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to meet global standards in forensic analysis, safety, and operational efficiency.

Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a significant milestone in the agency’s history.

“For over two decades, our operations were constrained by limited forensic capacity. These newly constructed laboratories will expand our capabilities, improve turnaround time in drug analysis, and ensure efficient prosecution of drug-related offences,” Marwa said.

He added that the Lagos lab, which previously served as NDLEA’s sole forensic facility, has now been fully renovated and re-equipped, transforming it into a modern center of excellence. This multi-laboratory initiative was made possible through the support of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

As part of efforts to develop skilled personnel, the NDLEA, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), trained and certified 20 forensic analysts. These professionals are now qualified to officially sign off on drug analysis reports, boosting the agency’s capacity and credibility in legal proceedings.

In addition, the agency has adopted robust quality control systems, having successfully participated in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) – a key component of the International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP) that ensures accuracy and reliability in forensic results.

Marwa commended the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their role in achieving the milestone, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to scientific rigor, advanced research, and combatting the rising challenge of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

Meanwhile, the US-INL further bolstered NDLEA’s efforts by donating a high-grade spectroscopy device to enhance operations at the Lagos facility. The equipment was formally handed over by the INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who applauded the ongoing partnership and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Nigeria’s drug control efforts.

A delegation of senior NDLEA officials, led by Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, received the equipment at the Lagos annex. Other officials present included Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Geh Okpere; Head of Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace; and Lagos State Strategic Command Commander, CN Abubakar Liman Wali.

“This is a new chapter in our forensic capabilities, and we are proud of the progress made,” Marwa concluded.