The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its maritime surveillance and interdiction operations following a week-long working visit to the United Kingdom by officers from its directorate of seaport operations.
A six-member delegation led by Aminu Danjuma Jega, deputy commander of narcotics (DCN), undertook the training between 19 and 25 October 2025 under the guidance of Errol Flynn Macdonald of the UK Home Office (international operations).
According to a statement on Friday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the team visited key British maritime and border enforcement facilities, where they were exposed to international best practices in maritime intelligence, port security, and inter-agency coordination.
The programme continued in Lagos, where an additional 19 NDLEA officers underwent a four-day advanced container targeting course from 10 to 13 November 2025. Both the UK study tour and the Lagos training were sponsored by the international operations unit.
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During the UK engagements, the NDLEA delegation held extensive discussions with officials of the UK border force, the National Crime Agency (NCA), Home Office intelligence, the national maritime security centre, and the joint maritime security centre in Portsmouth.
“During the engagements, the team received comprehensive presentations by the UK National Deep Rummaging Team, which showcased modern techniques and procedures for vessel rummage operations aimed at detecting and preventing illicit drug trafficking through sea routes,” the statement reads.
“The officers also witnessed live demonstration sessions at Tilbury and Felixstowe Ports, where inward-bound containers from Nigeria were subjected to layered inspection and risk-based screening procedures.”
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In his briefing to Buba Marwa, to NDLEA chairman, Jega said the exposure had significantly broadened the officers’ understanding of intelligence-driven maritime enforcement.
“We were exposed to advanced tools, data-sharing models, and inter-agency coordination frameworks that will significantly improve our maritime intelligence gathering and port surveillance operations,” he said.
“The practical demonstrations we witnessed, particularly in vessel rummage and underwater detection, are invaluable to NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to counter transnational drug trafficking through our seaports.”
Responding, Marwa praised the officers for representing the country effectively and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening border security through technology and continuous training.
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“Maritime routes remain critical in global drug trafficking networks. Strengthening our officers’ technical capacity and intelligence integration with our international partners is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders,” Marwa said.
“The lessons from this UK engagement will be vital in enhancing NDLEA’s effectiveness in intercepting drug consignments at sea and ensuring safer maritime operations.”
