The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the agency’s growing international profile following the participation of its Maritime Intelligence Officers at the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Marwa described Nigeria’s participation as the only African country at the conference as a strong recognition of the NDLEA’s expanding operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic importance in global counter-narcotics efforts. He noted that the engagement marked a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organized crime.
The NDLEA officers also took part in operational exchanges and joint exercises with the UK Border Force in Felixstowe and Portsmouth, an experience Marwa said would enhance the agency’s capacity to combat drug trafficking across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.
According to him, exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing systems, and real-time maritime operations will further boost NDLEA’s effectiveness in tackling evolving drug trafficking trends. He emphasized that such partnerships are essential in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding to global drug challenges.
Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK authorities, including the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and the UK Border Force, for their cooperation and the opportunity extended to NDLEA personnel, adding that the agency will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency.
The leader of the NDLEA delegation, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Aminu Jega, said the visit aimed to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between Nigeria and relevant UK law enforcement agencies.
Jega explained that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the United Kingdom to discuss maritime intelligence sharing, emerging threats, and collaborative strategies. He added that the NDLEA team presented the agency’s operational achievements, which received positive feedback and commendation from participants.
He noted that the agency’s presentation generated significant interest and fostered constructive discussions among international stakeholders, further reinforcing NDLEA’s credibility on the global stage.
The development underscored Nigeria’s increasing role in international efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen maritime security cooperation.
