In a major boost to Nigeria’s anti-drug war, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated new forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, while upgrading its 25-year-old Lagos lab with cutting-edge equipment donated by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Key Figures Behind the Milestone:
- Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) – NDLEA Chairman who spearheaded the project
- Ms. Candace Spradley – Director of US-INL Nigeria that donated advanced spectroscopy equipment
- 20 Certified Analysts – Trained by Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) and UNODC
Strategic Locations & Upgrades:
1️⃣ Abuja Lab: New construction (Northern hub)
2️⃣ Enugu Lab: New construction (Eastern hub)
3️⃣ Lagos Lab: Upgraded with US-INL equipment (Western hub)
Supporting Organizations:
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Technical implementation
- US-INL – Equipment donation and capacity building
Operational Impact:
The labs will enhance NDLEA’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring led by ACGN Patricia Afolabi, with support from:
- DCGN Omolade Faboyede (Director, Seaport Operations)
- ACGN Rita Geh Okpere (Media and Advocacy)
- ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace (Special Operations Unit)
- CN Abubakar Liman Wali (Lagos State Commander)
This forensic network positions Nigeria for faster drug analysis, stronger prosecutions, and regional leadership in narcotics control.
