NDLEA and UK Home Office Sign Landmark MoU to Bolster Anti-Drug Trafficking Efforts
…Marwa: It’s a pact to safeguard lives and futures of both nations
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO), in a significant move aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance operational collaboration in tackling illicit drug trafficking and other related criminal activities.
The MoU was formalised on Monday, 26th May 2025 at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, with top officials from both nations present.
The agreement is designed to provide a legal and strategic framework for the exchange of personal data, intelligence, and operational insights between Nigeria and the UK, in line with international conventions, national laws, and global best practices.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Regional Manager (West Africa) of HOIO, Mr Ian Cunliffe, expressed deep appreciation for the long-standing and productive relationship between the two agencies.
“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,” he said.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the partnership and the collaborative spirit that has underpinned the NDLEA-HOIO engagement.
He noted that the signing of the MoU was a powerful statement of intent, reiterating the shared responsibility to tackle the menace of drug trafficking that threatens both nations.
“This 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,” Marwa stated. “Nigeria, through the NDLEA, continues to scale up its drug control measures according to the National Drug Control Master Plan.”
He emphasised that the newly signed MoU would reinforce existing efforts through a lawful and secure structure for intelligence exchange.
“We have a road-map, and this MoU adds to the strategic framework by establishing a clear, lawful and secure mechanism for sharing personal data, intelligence and operational insights. Together, I know we will close ranks against crime and deepen the bonds of mutual responsibility and respect.”
Marwa further highlighted that enhanced intelligence sharing would translate into more effective enforcement actions. “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.”
The MoU signing is expected to mark a new chapter in Nigeria-UK cooperation in addressing one of the most persistent global security challenges – illicit drug trafficking and the transnational criminal networks that sustain it.
Both nations have pledged continued commitment to information exchange, capacity building, and joint operational actions that will dismantle criminal syndicates and protect their citizens from the scourge of drug abuse and organised crime.
