- As Marwa hosts HOIO Director Africa region, Richard Lloyd, others
The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has lauded the remarkable outcomes achieved through its collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in various drug law enforcement endeavors. During a recent visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Richard Lloyd, the Director of Africa region operations for HOIO, commended the agency’s performance and announced plans for further support.
Lloyd, accompanied by a four-member delegation, praised the effectiveness of NDLEA under the leadership of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd). He highlighted the significant strides made in dismantling trans-border drug trafficking cartels and expressed admiration for the agency’s dedication and professionalism.
One of the key announcements made during the visit was the UK government’s commitment to constructing a maritime headquarters for NDLEA, scheduled to commence in June. This initiative aims to bolster the agency’s capabilities in combating narcotics trafficking through enhanced maritime operations.
Furthermore, Lloyd affirmed HOIO’s intention to formalize the partnership with NDLEA by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future. He commended the collaborative efforts between the two entities, emphasizing Nigeria’s exemplary performance compared to other countries in Africa and beyond.
Highlighting the tangible support provided by HOIO, Lloyd revealed the completion of refurbishments on two patrol boats for NDLEA’s maritime operations, with assurances of continued logistic assistance.
In response, Chairman/CEO Marwa expressed gratitude for the accolades and reassured the commitment of NDLEA to its mandate. He emphasized the agency’s determination to extend its reach to the grassroots level across all 774 local governments in Nigeria, acknowledging the importance of support from international partners like HOIO, particularly in training and capacity building efforts.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between NDLEA and HOIO, reflecting a shared commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime, and fostering security and stability in Nigeria and beyond.
