France Pledges Enhanced Support to NDLEA Following Intensive Training Programme

…Marwa underscores the need for global collaboration in combating drug cartels

The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

This assurance came after weeks of rigorous training for NDLEA’s Strike Force Unit conducted by the elite RAID tactical team of the French National Police.

During a courtesy visit to the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja, the French Police Attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Phillipe Crespo, alongside Messrs. Phillipe Barrau, Tony Albaladejo, and Cedric Hocquette, conveyed France’s determination to deepen its collaboration with Nigeria.

The visit marked the conclusion of the third special operations training held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, within two years.

Mr. Crespo commended NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for his unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drug trafficking.

He highlighted the agency’s international impact, noting how NDLEA’s interdiction efforts have disrupted drug supply chains destined for Europe and other regions.

“The success of NDLEA’s operations is not only protecting Nigerians but also shielding communities across the world,” Crespo remarked.

He assured that France, through the French National Police, would continue to bolster its partnership with the NDLEA and proposed formalising the growing cooperation through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the new year.

French technical expert Phillipe Barrau lauded the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by NDLEA officers during the three-week training.

He also praised the infrastructure and support provided by the NDLEA Academy, which contributed to the programme’s success.

In response, Marwa expressed profound gratitude to the French government, recalling his 2022 visit to RAID headquarters in France.

“When I requested this type of training, I didn’t anticipate how swiftly it would be implemented or how consistent it would become. I am delighted that this marks the third exercise of its kind,” Marwa stated.

He emphasised the need for global partnerships in combating the drug menace, describing the threat posed by drug cartels as a direct challenge to public health and global security.

“The drug problem is immense worldwide. To effectively confront drug cartels, we need global collaboration, partnerships, and every bit of expertise available.

“This growing relationship between our countries, as reflected in the rapport between President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron, is a significant step forward,” Marwa added.

Marwa welcomed the proposed MoU, expressing optimism about the future of the collaboration. “We are prepared to ensure that the partnership between our organisations continues to grow, bringing mutual benefits to both nations,” he concluded.

The French delegation’s visit reinforces the shared resolve of both nations to combat the global drug crisis through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.