NDLEA Chief Stresses Regular Training to Enhance Combat Skills Against Drug Cartels
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has reiterated the importance of continuous training for personnel towards bolstering Nigeria’s fight against international drug trafficking.
He made this assertion at the closing ceremony of a two-week intensive training programme for 23 NDLEA officers, organised by the German government.
The event, held at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Jahi, Abuja, on Friday, 29th November 2024, drew top officials of the Agency and a team of German instructors, led by a representative of the German embassy in Nigeria.
Highlighting the significance of the training, Marwa stated, “To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training.
Unless personnel are properly equipped with training, they cannot do their job. That is the reason we are emphasising the training of our personnel.”
The training, conducted by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, commonly known as Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), focused on key areas such as principles of crime scene investigation and the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS).
Participants engaged in theoretical lessons, practical exercises, and presentations designed to enhance their expertise in tackling drug-related crimes.
Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio, representing the German embassy, underscored the significance of the collaboration, stating, “The federal foreign office funding of this programme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in police reforms and security sector reform more generally.
“Our support reflects the German government’s commitment to fostering stability, especially as it pertains to addressing the menace of international drug trafficking.”
She also lauded the NDLEA as “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security and wellbeing of its citizens,” adding that the programme reinforces both Nigeria’s and global efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Marwa expressed deep gratitude to the German government, recognising the broader implications of such partnerships.
“The drug terrain is international,” he remarked. “We deeply appreciate the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking.
“The canine unit supplied and funded by the Germans, for instance, has been instrumental in major operations, such as the discovery of the Captagon shipment in Lagos Port in 2021.”
Congratulating the trainees, Marwa emphasised the privilege of receiving such high-calibre training, describing the BKA as one of the world’s most efficient criminal policing institutions.
“Count yourselves lucky that you are beneficiaries of training from the BKA. Take full advantage of it and demonstrate these skills in the field,” he urged.
The ceremony culminated with the presentation of certificates to the 23 graduates. Dominik Muller, the BKA liaison officer in Nigeria, presented the Agency with substance testing kits and resources as part of Germany’s support.
In turn, the NDLEA presented plaques and mementoes to the German trainers in appreciation of their contributions.
This collaboration marks a crucial stride in strengthening the NDLEA’s capacity to tackle drug cartels and underscores the global dimension of the fight against drug trafficking.
