By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom has said it will provide £1 million worth of support to enhance the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2022 and additional provisions over a period of three years.
This was disclosed by the Director, Home Office International Operations, Mr Nick Fowler, when he led a team comprising Julie Hartfree, Africa Regional Director and Kris Hawksfield, West Africa Regional Manager, both of Home Office International Operations on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mr Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Speaking on this, Mr Marwa expressed appreciation to the visiting UK team and the British government for past support to NDLEA, saying with the expansion of the operations, command structure and staff strength of the agency, he would need more support and collaboration from the UK government.
While stating that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been very supportive of the work of the Agency in critical areas, Mr Marwa asked for strengthened intelligence sharing collaboration, provision of essential operational logistics and training among others from the UK government.
Responding, Mr Nick Fowler commended the NDLEA chief for the huge success the anti-drug trafficking body has become under his leadership.
He said the agency has been able to play a significant role by intercepting loads of illicit drugs going to the UK and assured that his office is now well-positioned to share intelligence with NDLEA.
The UK top official also said the British government is willing to enhance NDLEA’s operations with the provision of strategic equipment, logistics and training as part of a £1 million plan, to be implemented in 2022 with additional support over the next three years.
Modupe Gbadeyanka