The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the agency’s Maritime Intelligence Officers for their participation in the just-concluded North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Marwa described Nigeria’s invitation to the conference — as the only African country represented — as a significant recognition of the NDLEA’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance in global counter-narcotics operations.
He noted that the participation of the agency’s officers in the conference sessions, as well as in operational exchanges conducted in Felixstowe and Portsmouth, marked a major milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.
According to him, the engagement provided NDLEA officers with exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations. He said such knowledge would enhance the agency’s ability to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating along Nigeria’s waterways and key maritime corridors.
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The NDLEA boss emphasized that sustained international engagements are critical to building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement institution capable of responding effectively to evolving drug trafficking patterns. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to safeguard Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to global drug control efforts.
Marwa gave the commendation while responding to a report presented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Aminu Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the United Kingdom between March 4 and 12, 2026.
He expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and the UK Border Force, for the opportunity and cooperation extended to NDLEA officers.
Marwa added that the agency would continue to leverage such international platforms to improve operational efficiency and effectively discharge its mandate.
In his presentation, Jega explained that the primary objective of the visit was to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between the NDLEA and relevant United Kingdom maritime and law enforcement agencies.
He stated that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from several European countries and UK agencies to deliberate on maritime intelligence sharing, emerging maritime threats, and collaborative operational strategies.
Jega further disclosed that the NDLEA delegation was given the opportunity to present the agency’s recent operational achievements. The presentation, he said, generated significant interest among participants and was followed by constructive discussions and commendations from representatives of participating agencies.
The development underscores Nigeria’s increasing visibility and active participation in global efforts to combat drug trafficking and other forms of transnational maritime crime.