The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at curbing illicit drug trafficking and related offenses between both countries.
The agreement was formalized at a ceremony held on Monday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Manager (West Africa) of HOIO, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, expressed optimism about the future of the partnership. “I’d like to start by thanking the chairman for his time today and for the gracious welcome,” Cunliffe said. “I know the chairman had a great relationship with my predecessor, Christopher Hawksfield, and with HOIO, which has been really, really productive. I am really keen to maintain and enhance that relationship going forward. I think the signing of this MoU today is the beginning of the next phase of our relationship.”
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), also welcomed the deepening collaboration with the UK. “I have absolutely no doubt that we will also have the same relationship with you,” Marwa said, addressing Cunliffe. “I appreciate the HOIO for all the tremendous work that you have been doing with us.”
Highlighting the strategic value of the agreement, Marwa described the MoU as more than a formal arrangement. “This MoU is not just an agreement; it is indeed a reaffirmation of our mutual trust, cooperation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of our respective nations,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria, through the NDLEA, continues to enhance its anti-drug efforts in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan. “We have a road map, and this MoU adds to the strategic framework by establishing a clear, lawful, and secure mechanism for sharing personal data, intelligence, and operational insights in line with international conventions, national laws, and global best practices,” he added.
Marwa emphasized that stronger intelligence sharing would lead to more effective law enforcement outcomes. “This partnership will enhance our collective ability to interdict criminal suspects, disrupt trafficking networks, and trace illicit financial flows with greater precision and speed,” he said.
The NDLEA sees the agreement as a critical boost in its mission to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and strengthen international enforcement collaborations.
