By Ejire Folakunmi
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commended the agency’s growing strategic relevance in global counter-narcotics efforts, following its participation in key maritime security engagements in the United Kingdom.
Marwa praised the involvement of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, as well as operational exchanges conducted in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.
He described Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a significant recognition of the agency’s increasing operational capacity, professionalism, and global standing in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
According to him, the participation of NDLEA officers in both conference sessions and joint operational exercises with the UK Border Force marks a major milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.
Marwa noted that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations would further enhance the agency’s ability to disrupt drug trafficking networks across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.
He emphasised that such international engagements are vital in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement institution capable of responding effectively to evolving drug trafficking patterns.
The NDLEA boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to safeguard Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to global drug control efforts.
Responding to a report presented by the leader of the delegation, Aminu Jega, Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the UK Home Office International Operations and the UK Border Force, for their cooperation and support.
He added that the agency would continue to leverage such international platforms to improve operational efficiency and effectively deliver on its mandate.
In his presentation, Jega said the primary objective of the visit, which took place between March 4 and 12, 2026, was to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between NDLEA and relevant UK maritime and law enforcement agencies.
He explained that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from several European countries and UK agencies to discuss intelligence sharing, emerging maritime threats, and collaborative operational strategies.
Jega further noted that the NDLEA delegation presented the agency’s operational achievements during the event, attracting significant interest and commendation from participating agencies.