The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
The agreement, signed at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, marks a strategic step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy between both agencies, according to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA in a statement issued on Monday.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, Regional Manager (West Africa) for HOIO, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with the NDLEA and emphasized the importance of deepening operational ties.
“I’d like to thank the NDLEA chairman for the gracious welcome. The relationship between our agencies has been highly productive, and the signing of this MoU signals the beginning of a new phase in our cooperation,” Cunliffe stated.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, commended the UK for its ongoing support and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the shared goal of dismantling international drug networks.
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“This MoU is more than an agreement, it is a reaffirmation of our mutual trust and collaboration. It establishes a secure, lawful framework for the exchange of intelligence, personal data, and operational insights,” Marwa said.
Marwa noted that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan and will help boost the agency’s capacity to intercept traffickers, dismantle syndicates, and trace illicit financial flows with greater speed and accuracy.
“We are convinced that stronger intelligence sharing leads to stronger enforcement. Together, we will close ranks against crime and deepen the bonds of mutual responsibility and respect,” he added.
The MoU is expected to enhance both countries’ ability to respond to the evolving challenges of global narcotics trafficking and contribute to regional and international security.