The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO), yesterday, has promised to support Nigeria’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) through the construction of a maritime headquarters for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
It described as amazing and impressive results of collaborations between the HOIO and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on various drug law enforcement operations and projects jointly conducted.
Director, Africa Region Operations of HOIO, Richard Lloyd, disclosed this when he led a four-member delegation on a visit to the national headquarters of NDLEA in Abuja.
He said following the impressive performance of the agency, the UK government would construct a maritime headquarters for NDLEA in June to further enhance the capability of the anti-narcotic body.
He commended the leadership of Brig-Gen Mohammed Marwa (rtd) for achieving tremendous successes in dismantling a lot of trans-border drug trafficking cartels.
As further proof of their commitment to the result-oriented partnership with NDLEA, Lloyd said his office would be glad to sign an already drafted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency very soon.
He stated: “I have heard so many good stories of the agency and your team. I will start by saying ‘thanks’ for your support and the relationship we have. I have been nothing but impressed since I arrived in Nigeria 10 days ago. I met many of the team members in Lagos and Abuja, and I must say they have been fantastic.”
The HOIO, he revealed, has just completed the refurbishing of two patrol boats for the maritime operations of the agency, while assuring of further logistic support in that direction.
In his response, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Marwa, expressed appreciation to Lloyd and his team for their kind comments about NDLEA’s work, adding that such commendation will further encourage the officers and men of the agency to do more.
He said: “We thank you for these encouraging remarks. These commendations coming from you are considered highly because we are glad to be meeting our mandate.
“I give you the assurance that NDLEA is very committed to our mandate. We plan to go down to the 774 local councils of the country, so that at the community level, we are able to check what is going on and do whatever needs to be done there. We know these are difficult times in the UK, as it is with other countries, and we appreciate that, even with that, you find the resources to support us is much welcome, especially the training, and capacity building, which is very important.”
