The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has praised the agency’s Maritime Intelligence Officers for their active role in the recently concluded North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in the United Kingdom.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Marwa described Nigeria’s presence at the event as highly significant. He highlighted that the country stood out as the only African nation invited to participate, calling it a strong indication of the agency’s rising profile and operational strength on the global stage.
According to him, this recognition reflects the NDLEA’s professionalism and increasing importance in international efforts to combat drug trafficking. He noted that the involvement of the agency’s officers in conference discussions, as well as their participation in joint operational exchanges with the UK Border Force, represents a major step forward.
Marwa explained that such engagements are essential in improving cooperation across borders, particularly in tackling organised crime networks that operate internationally. He stressed that collaboration of this nature strengthens the global fight against illicit drug trade and related criminal activities.
He further pointed out that the exposure gained by NDLEA officers during the event would be highly beneficial. It included learning advanced interdiction methods, understanding modern intelligence-sharing systems, and observing real-time maritime operations.
“Especially in the area to disrupt drug trafficking networks along Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors,” he said.
Marwa emphasised that participation in international platforms like this is vital for building a modern enforcement agency driven by intelligence and innovation. He explained that such experiences help the NDLEA adapt to changing patterns in drug trafficking and respond more effectively.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Marwa said the NDLEA would continue to strengthen its partnerships with international organisations and law enforcement bodies. He noted that these collaborations are key to protecting Nigeria and contributing meaningfully to global drug control initiatives.
He also expressed gratitude to UK authorities for their support, particularly the Home Office International Operations and the UK Border Force, for the assistance and cooperation extended to NDLEA officers during the programme.
“The NDLEA will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the NDLEA delegation, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Aminu Jega, explained that the purpose of the visit was to deepen operational ties between Nigeria and relevant UK agencies.
He said the engagement focused on improving intelligence sharing, strengthening maritime security, and enhancing cooperation between the NDLEA and UK law enforcement institutions.
Jega noted that the meeting brought together maritime security experts and stakeholders from several European countries, alongside key UK agencies.
“This is to deliberate on maritime intelligence sharing, emerging threats and collaborative operational strategies,” he maintained.
He added that the NDLEA team showcased the agency’s operational successes at the conference. Their presentation, he said, attracted strong interest and earned positive feedback from participating organisations, further boosting the agency’s reputation internationally.
