The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has highlighted the critical role of continuous training in the fight against drug trafficking.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week training program sponsored by the German government, Marwa emphasized that well-trained personnel are essential for effectively combating international drug cartels.
“To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority is the professionalism of our human resources, which can only be achieved through training,” Marwa said during the event held at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
The training, organized by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA), focused on crime scene investigation techniques and the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS). Twenty-three NDLEA officers participated in the program, which included classroom sessions, presentations, and practical exercises.
Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio, representing the German Embassy in Nigeria, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security sector reforms. “This program is part of the German government’s efforts to strengthen police and security institutions in Nigeria, recognizing NDLEA as a critical pillar in safeguarding the country’s stability,” she said.
Marwa also acknowledged the significant role Germany has played in enhancing NDLEA’s operational capacity, citing the agency’s canine unit funded by the German government, which was instrumental in intercepting a Captagon shipment at Lagos Port in 2021.
Addressing the trained officers, Marwa said: “You are fortunate to receive training from one of the world’s most efficient criminal policing institutions. Take full advantage of this knowledge and apply it in the field, as well as train others.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants. In addition, Dominik Muller, BKA’s liaison officer in Nigeria, donated drug testing kits to the NDLEA, while the agency presented plaques and mementos to the trainers in appreciation of their support.
