The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commended the agency’s rising global profile in counter-narcotics operations following its participation in a high-level maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.
Marwa highlighted the involvement of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, as well as operational engagements in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.
He described Nigeria’s participation—reportedly as the only African country represented—as a strong endorsement of the agency’s professionalism, operational capacity, and strategic relevance in global anti-drug efforts.
According to Marwa, the participation of NDLEA officers in conference sessions and joint exercises with the UK Border Force marks a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.
He noted that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations would enhance the agency’s capacity to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.
Marwa emphasised that such international engagements are critical to building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding to evolving trafficking patterns. He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to safeguard Nigeria and contribute to international drug control efforts.
Reacting 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, for their cooperation and support.
Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the conference held from 4 to 12 March 2026, said the visit was aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between Nigeria and relevant UK agencies.
He added that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the United Kingdom to address emerging threats, enhance intelligence exchange, and develop coordinated operational strategies.
According to him, the NDLEA delegation also showcased the agency’s operational achievements during the event, attracting strong interest, constructive engagement, and commendation from international partners.
