France pledges enhanced support for NDLEA in training, logistics
The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse by offering increased support in training, capacity building, and logistics for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
This assurance was given during a meeting on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, between a French delegation led by Lt. Gen. Régis Colcombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Lt. Gen. Colcombet described the meeting as a follow-up to bilateral agreements reached between President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria during the latter’s recent state visit to Paris. He noted that he had met with Marwa in France two years ago to discuss potential areas of cooperation with the NDLEA.
“It’s important for us to be here because it is now three months after the very successful state visit of your president to France, which resulted in many new developments. We have been asked to come, develop, and follow up on these agreements, and explore how we can further enhance this cooperation. It is very important,” Colcombet stated.
Addressing NDLEA’s requests for further support, Colcombet confirmed that France would provide additional training opportunities for selected NDLEA officers across various commands and formations, particularly in tactical operations.
He also announced that more personnel would receive training in cybersecurity at the French Regional Academy in Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, he pledged that logistical support would be provided to enhance the practical implementation of these trainings.
In response, Marwa welcomed the strengthening of Nigeria-France relations, attributing the enhanced cooperation to the positive rapport between President Tinubu and President Macron. He expressed appreciation for France’s continued support for the NDLEA and identified additional areas where assistance is needed.
He specifically requested increased manpower development and capacity building for NDLEA personnel at the French Regional Academy in Côte d’Ivoire, with a focus on tactical operations, cyber investigations, and cryptocurrency-related investigations.
The French delegation also included Lt. Col. Pierre Yves Dupe, Philippe Baurreau, Colonel Olivier Ductet, and Philippe Crespo.
The meeting marks another step in strengthening international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to combat substance abuse and organised crime through enhanced training and logistical support.
