NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference as Marwa Lauds Officers’ Landmark Participation
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, 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 held in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Marwa also praised the operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth, describing Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a significant recognition of NDLEA’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance in global counter-narcotics efforts.
He noted that the participation of the Agency’s officers in both the conference sessions and joint operational exercises with the UK Border Force marked a major milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.
According to him, the exposure of NDLEA officers to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations will further enhance the Agency’s capacity to disrupt drug trafficking networks along Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.
The NDLEA boss acknowledged that such international engagements are critical in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement institution capable of responding effectively to evolving drug trafficking trends.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to safeguard Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to global drug control efforts.
In his response to the report presented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics Aminu Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the conference held in the United Kingdom between March 4 and 12, 2026, Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and the Border Force, for the opportunity and cooperation extended to NDLEA officers.
He added that the Agency will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate.
In his presentation, the leader of the delegation, DCN Aminu Jega, noted 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 authorities.
Jega explained that the conference was a gathering where maritime security stakeholders from several European countries and United Kingdom agencies converged to deliberate on maritime intelligence sharing, emerging maritime threats, and collaborative operational strategies.
He further stated that the NDLEA team was given a platform to present the Agency’s operational achievements, affirming that the presentation generated significant interest among participants and was followed by constructive discussions and positive commendations from representatives of participating agencies.
