US assures NDLEA of more support in fight against illicit drugs, lauds Marwa

The United States government has assured National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of more support in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The assurance was given by Dr. Mark Hove of the Africa and Middle East Office, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. This was when he led a top official of the bureau, Craig Nixon, on a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja .

According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the visit came on the heels of a recent official letter by the bureau, announcing a U.S. project grant to NDLEA, following requests by Marwa during meetings in Abuja and Washington DC.

The letter had noted that the grant, which will be implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, covers forensic and chemical analysis capacity of the agency, intelligence-led investigations through diverse resources, as well as books and an e-library for prosecution and other legal needs.

Speaking during the visit, Hove commended work done, so far, by the NDLEA, while expressing satisfaction with response of the agency to the threat of lethal illicit drugs, such as Fentanyl, Captagon and Methamphetamine.

He cited recent seizure of over 2.1 tons of cocaine in the Ikorodu area of Lagos by NDLEA operatives as an incredible feat. Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation to the bureau for its support to NDLEA and its readiness to do more.

He said this would significantly enhance investigative and prosecutorial capabilities of NDLEA, especially, coming at a time when the enabling Act of the agency has been amended by the National Assembly to strengthen operations.

The NDLEA boss expressed satisfaction with collaboration between the agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to combat trafficking in illicit drugs between the U.S. and Nigeria, and globally.

“There’s need for greater collaboration on Fentanyl and others,” Marwa added.