The United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations has praised its ongoing collaboration with Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, noting significant progress.
Victoria Pullen, Head of International Operations at the UK Home Office, made this known during a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), in Abuja. Pullen, who was accompanied by her colleague Kristoffer Hawksfield, signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the visit.
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the visit took place on Monday. Pullen commended the NDLEA for its openness to innovative strategies in tackling drug trafficking.
She also emphasized the importance of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, which was recently constructed and donated by the UK government, as a symbol of the strong partnership between the two agencies.
“This investment is expected to greatly aid Nigeria in intercepting drug shipments, reducing the impact of illegal drugs both within the country and globally. The more we can stop here, the less harm is caused elsewhere,” Pullen said.
In his response, General Marwa thanked the UK for its continued support, particularly the recent donation of the Marine Command Headquarters and a similar facility at the MMIA Command in Lagos last year. He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation, stating, “We look forward to more assistance in our ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks.”
