UK Partnership with Nigeria in Drug War Proves Effective, says Home Office

…Renews MoU with NDLEA as Marwa Seeks More Support

The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has lauded its collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, noting that their joint efforts are yielding significant results. 

This statement was made during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), by the Head of HOIO, Victoria Pullen, in Abuja on Monday, 21st October 2024.

Pullen, who was accompanied by her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield, was in Nigeria to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HOIO and NDLEA, further strengthening the partnership. 

She praised the ongoing collaboration, citing recent successes in drug interdictions as a clear indicator of progress.

“The issue of drug trafficking is a huge global challenge, and it requires an equally robust global effort to counter it,” Pullen remarked. 

“The cooperation between our organisations has been exceptional, as evidenced by the volume of illicit substances intercepted by your teams. We are pleased with the high level of engagement and willingness to explore new strategies, which is leading to these successes,” she added.

She also referenced the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, a facility built and donated by the UK government, as a key milestone in their collaborative efforts. 

“This level of investment will not only benefit Nigeria by reducing the influx of drugs into the country but also aid in curbing the global drug trade. The more drugs we help interdict here, the less that finds its way into other countries,” said Pullen

She expressed confidence in the future of the partnership, saying, “Our team has nothing but positive feedback about our relationship with NDLEA, and we look forward to building on this foundation to achieve even greater successes.”

In response, Marwa expressed deep appreciation for the UK’s continued support, especially the recent donation of the Marine Command Headquarters and a similar facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos last year.

“I am most delighted to meet Ms. Victoria Pullen in person, as it provides me the opportunity to extend our profound gratitude for the tangible and intangible support we have received from the Home Office International Operations and the British Government,” Marwa said.

He highlighted the pivotal role the UK has played in bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to combat drug trafficking, noting that the support received had significantly enhanced NDLEA’s operations. 

“Since we commenced the reform of NDLEA three years ago, our partnership with the Home Office International Operations has grown stronger, making them one of our key international partners,” he added.

Marwa took the opportunity to call for increased assistance from the UK. “We continue to seek more of your assistance as we work to combat illicit drug trafficking, not just within our borders but also in our shared global fight against transnational criminal organisations. 

“The new MoU we are signing today reaffirms our strong partnership, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship to achieve our common goal.”

He also highlighted NDLEA’s recent achievements, revealing that the agency had made over 52,000 arrests and seized more than 8,000 tonnes of illicit substances in the last three years. 

Over 9,000 convictions had also been secured. Marwa emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, given the significant traffic between Nigeria and the UK, to further boost efforts in curbing the activities of drug cartels.

The signing of the renewed MoU marks yet another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and the UK, as both countries continue to tackle the global scourge of drug trafficking together.