The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office International Operations (HOIO) to boost the fight against drug trafficking and other prohibited commodities.
Speaking on Monday at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, Ian Cunliffe, HOIO regional manager (West Africa), reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the fight against drug trafficking.
“I would like to start by thanking the chairman for his time today and for the gracious welcome. I know the chairman had a great relationship with my predecessor, Christopher Hawksfield, and with HOIO, which has been really productive, and I am keen to maintain and enhance that relationship going forward,” Cunliffe said.
“I think the signing of this MoU today is the beginning of the next phase of our relationship.”
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Buba Marwa, the chairman of NDLEA, said the MoU is a reaffirmation of both countries’ dedication to safeguarding the lives of their citizens.
Marwa noted that through the collaboration, there would be improved intelligence sharing to interdict criminal suspects, disrupt trafficking networks, and trace illicit financial flows with precision and speed.
“I have absolutely no doubt that we will also have the same relationship with you. I appreciate the HOIO for all the tremendous work that you have been doing with us,” Marwa said.
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“The 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.
“We have a roadmap, and this MoU adds to the strategy 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.”
