French Government Pledges Logistics, Training Support to NDLEA
…Marwa Applauds Tinubu, Macron’s Bilateral Ties, Seeks Greater Assistance
The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through enhanced training, capacity building, and logistics to bolster the agency’s operations in tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The assurance was given on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, during a high-level meeting at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja between a French delegation led by Lieutenant General Régis Colcombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA.
Lt. Gen. Colcombet noted that the meeting was a direct follow-up to the bilateral agreements reached between President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria during Tinubu’s recent state visit to Paris.
Recalling a similar engagement with Marwa in France two years ago, Colcombet stressed the significance of reinforcing cooperation between both nations in the fight against drug-related crimes.
“It’s important for us to be here because it is now three months after the very successful state visit of your president to France, which has led to a series of developments. We have been tasked with furthering this cooperation, following up, and exploring ways to strengthen our joint efforts. This is very important,” Colcombet stated.
Responding to requests for additional support, Lt. Gen. Colcombet assured that France would provide further training for selected NDLEA officers across various commands and formations, particularly in tactical operations.
He further disclosed that slots would be allocated for NDLEA personnel at the French Regional Academy in Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on cybersecurity training.
Additionally, he confirmed that logistical support would be made available to ensure the effectiveness of the training programmes.
Expressing his appreciation, Brig. Gen. Marwa commended the strengthening relationship between Nigeria and France, attributing it to the excellent rapport between President Tinubu and President Macron.
He noted that this diplomatic understanding has paved the way for deeper collaboration between NDLEA and its French counterparts.
Marwa lauded the continued support from the French government and highlighted additional areas where assistance was needed. He specifically called for:
Expanded manpower development and capacity building for NDLEA personnel at the French Regional Academy in Côte d’Ivoire.
Specialised training in tactical operations, cyber and cryptocurrency investigations.
Further logistical reinforcements to aid operations.
The meeting was attended by other members of the French delegation, including Lt. Col. Pierre Yves Dupe, Philippe Baurreau, Colonel Olivier Ductet, and Philippe Crespo.
With France’s renewed commitment, the NDLEA is set to benefit from increased expertise and resources, further strengthening its fight against drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
