The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the participation of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the just concluded North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, UK.

Marwa described the invitation extended to Nigeria as the only African country represented at the conference as a significant recognition of agency’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance in global counter-narcotics efforts.

He noted that the participation of the agency’s officers in both the conference sessions and joint operational exercises with the UK Border Force marks a major milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.

According to him, the exposure of NDLEA officers to advanced inter- diction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations will further enhance the agency’s ability to disrupt drug trafficking networks along Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.

The NDLEA boss emphasised that such international engagements are critical in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement institution capable of responding effectively to evolving drug trafficking trends.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts in or- der to safeguard Nigeria and contribute meaning- fully to global drug control efforts.

In his response to the report presented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Aminu Jega who led NDLEA delegation to the conference, Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and the Border Force, for the opportunity and cooperation extended to NDLEA officers.

He added that the agency will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate.

In his presentation, Jega noted that the primary objective of the visit was to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between the NDLEA and relevant United Kingdom maritime and law enforcement authorities.