The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the United Kingdom have partnered to strengthen efforts against transnational organised crime, particularly drug trafficking and the smuggling of other prohibited commodities between Nigeria and the UK.
This partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The development was disclosed in a statement made available to Thelensng by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Regional Manager (West Africa) of HOIO, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, expressed appreciation for the ongoing productive relationship between the NDLEA and HOIO.
“I’d like to start by thanking the Chairman for his time today and for the gracious welcome. I know the Chairman had a great relationship with my predecessor, Christopher Hawksfield and with HOIO which has been really, really productive and I am really keen to maintain and enhance that relationship going forward. I think the signing of this MoU today is the beginning of the next phase of our relationship,” Cunliffe stated.
On his part, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, acknowledged the excellent relationship with HOIO and Cunliffe’s predecessor.
Marwa said: “I have absolutely no doubt that we will also have the same relationship with you. I appreciate the HOIO for all the tremendous work that you have been doing with us.”
According to him, the MoU “is not just an agreement, it is indeed a reaffirmation of our mutual trust, cooperation, collaboration and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of our respective nations. Nigeria, through the NDLEA, continues to scale up its drug control measures according to the National Drug Control Master Plan.
“We have a road-map and this MoU adds to the strategy framework by establishing a clear, lawful and secure mechanism for sharing personal data, intelligence and operational insights in line with international conventions, national laws and global best practices. Together, I know we will close ranks against crime and deepen the bonds of mutual responsibility and respect.”
The NDLEA boss added: “We are convinced that stronger intelligence sharing leads to stronger enforcement. This partnership will enhance our collective ability to interdict criminal suspects, disrupt trafficking networks, and trace illicit financial flows with greater precision and speed.”
