NDLEA, UK-HOIO Partner To Tackle Illicit Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enhance the fight against transnational organised crime, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs and other prohibited commodities between Nigeria and the UK.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Regional Manager (West Africa) of HOIO, Mr. Ian Cunliffe expressed appreciation for the productive relationship between both agencies.

According to him, “I would 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 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.”

While acknowledging the excellent relationship with HOIO and Cunliffe’s predecessor, chairman/chief executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa pledged to extend the same relationship with Cunliffe.

Marwa also commended the HOIO for all its tremendous work with the Nigerian anti-narcotic agency.

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The NDLEA boss said the MoU was not just an agreement but indeed a reaffirmation of mutual trust, cooperation, collaboration and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of both nations.

He added that Nigeria, through the NDLEA, has continued to scale up its drug control measures in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan.

“We have a roadmap and this MoU adds to the strategy framework by establishing a clear, lawful and secure mechanism for sharing personal data, intelligence and operational insights in line with international conventions, national laws and global best practices. Together, I know we will close ranks against crime and deepen the bonds of mutual responsibility and respect.

“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,” Marwa said.