June 10, (THEWILL) – The United Kingdom has pledged about £1million, as part of plans to enhance the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2022 and additional provision over a period of three years.
This was disclosed by the UK Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler, when he led a delegation 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 and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), on Thursday, June 9.
The NDLEA in a statement by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said Marwa had in his welcome remarks, expressed appreciation to the visiting UK team and the British government for its support for the Agency.
Marwa said with the expansion of the operations, commands 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’s-led Federal Government has been very supportive of the work of the Agency in critical areas, Marwa asked for strengthened intelligence sharing collaboration, provision of essential operational logistics and training, among others, from the UK government.
In his response, Nick Fowler commended Marwa for the huge success NDLEA 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.
Fowler assured that his office is now well positioned to share intelligence with NDLEA.
He said the British government is willing to enhance NDLEA’s operations with provision of strategic equipment, logistics and training, as part of a £1million plan, to be implemented in 2022, with additional support over the next three years.
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