Daniel Noboa, the president who confronted and defeated narco-terrorism in Ecuador

Since assuming the presidency of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa faced a series of unprecedented challenges in the field of security, which forced him to take drastic decisions to restore law and order in a country mired in the chaos of organized crime.

With the objective of exterminating mafias, drug trafficking and terrorist organizations, Noboa proved to be a leader capable of implementing reforms necessary to guarantee peace and stability in Ecuador.

An unprecedented security crisis

On January 7, 2024, Ecuador was shaken by the escape of one of the most powerful leaders of organized crime, José Macias Villamar, alias “Fito”, from the

Litoral Penitentiary.

This event, accompanied by a series of attacks and kidnappings, marked the beginning of what President Noboa did not hesitate to describe as an “internal armed conflict” with the intervention of the Armed Forces to combat transnational organized crime groups.

In response, and to defend the Ecuadorian people, President Noboa declared a state of emergency and, with the support of the Armed Forces, launched operations to neutralize criminal organizations that were destroying the country.

Noboa's strategies to combat organized crime

As a result of these interventions, more than 8600 criminals were arrested, and around 241 were accused of terrorism. Among the most notable measures is the deportation of 1,500 foreign prisoners, mainly from Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, who were responsible for a large part of the criminal activities inside

Ecuadorian prisons.

During a referendum held in April 2024 by the Government of Noboa, the Ecuadorian population approved a series of reforms that strengthened the president's security strategy, including close collaboration between the Armed Forces and the National Police, as well as the tightening of penalties for crimes related to drug trafficking.

This popular support strengthened the position and image of Noboa, who was firm in the fight for citizen security.

One of the most important aspects of his administration was the militarization of prisons, considered nerve centers of violence and drug trafficking in the country.

Inspiration from international models and construction of a mega-prison

In this context, the government began the construction of a maximum-security mega-prison in the coastal province of Santa Elena, a huge project that seeks to eradicate the mafias that operate within the

Ecuadorian prison system.

With an investment of 52 million dollars, this prison is designed to house prisoners with a high profile of danger, in maximum security modules that guarantee more effective and secure control.

President Noboa took inspiration from international examples, such as that of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, to confront gangs and criminal organizations.

In his speech, Noboa stated: "The 'vacations and luxuries' of those who steal our peace are over,” referring to the criminals who attack the tranquility of the Ecuadorian people.

Despite the challenges, the president of Ecuador succeeded in implementing a series of reforms that cover both public security and the prison system, the deportation of foreign criminals and the strengthening of cooperation between different law enforcement agencies.

Noboa's fight against organized crime is not just a security policy, but a firm commitment to giving citizens back the security and well-being they deserve.

Under his administration, President Noboa is fighting to ensure that Ecuador is not a haven for mafias and demonstrated that he is willing to take the necessary measures to guarantee peace and justice in his country.