The Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the participation of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the recently concluded North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting in Southampton, United Kingdom, as well as operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.
Marwa described Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a recognition of NDLEA’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance in global counter-narcotics efforts. He noted that the officers’ involvement in both conference sessions and joint exercises with the UK Border Force marks a milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organized crime.
He added that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations will further enhance NDLEA’s ability to disrupt drug trafficking networks along Nigeria’s waterways.
Marwa emphasized that such international engagements are vital in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding effectively to evolving drug trafficking trends. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to safeguard Nigeria and contribute to worldwide drug control efforts.
Responding to a report by Deputy Commander of Narcotics Aminu Jega, who led the delegation to the UK from March 4–12, 2026, Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and Border Force, for their cooperation. He added that NDLEA will continue leveraging such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate.
DCN Aminu Jega noted that the visit aimed to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between NDLEA and UK maritime authorities. He highlighted that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to discuss intelligence sharing, emerging maritime threats, and collaborative strategies.
He said the NDLEA team also presented the agency’s operational achievements, drawing significant interest and constructive feedback from participants.
