The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering collaborative efforts in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse across Nigeria.
This resolve was the focal point of discussions during a high-level meeting on Friday between the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the newly posted US-DEA Country Attaché, Ms. Daphne Morrison, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Ms. Morrison emphasized her agency’s commitment to furthering its strategic alliance with the NDLEA.
“I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together,” Morrison said. “Thank you so much for your support over the years. We’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you.”
She noted that ongoing discussions are focused on organizing specialized training programs for the NDLEA’s Special Operations Units and conducting joint operations in targeted areas of concern, reinforcing bilateral efforts to curb drug-related crimes.
In his remarks, Gen. Marwa welcomed the new attaché and praised the long-standing relationship between both agencies.
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“Your predecessors have been very supportive, and I have no doubt that your tenure will even surpass that in collaboration and achievements,” said Marwa.
He highlighted the transformation and expansion of the NDLEA in recent years, noting major successes in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies.
“We’ve grown significantly in terms of manpower and operational structures. The support from DEA, particularly in training, equipment, and joint operations, has been instrumental to our progress,” he added.
Marwa expressed optimism for continued and increased support from the US agency but withheld specific requests, saying: “This being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands. But I want to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving.”