By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The United Kingdom Government has pledged to provide £1million worth of support in strategic equipment, logistics and training, as part of efforts to boost the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The support which it says will be implemented in 2022, will also receive additional provision over a period of three years.
The Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler disclosed this on Thursday when he led a team comprising Julie Hartfree, Africa Regional Director and Kris Hawksfield, West Africa Regional Manager, both of Home Office International Operations on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja.
Welcoming his guests, Marwa expressed appreciation to the visiting UK team and the British government for past support to NDLEA.
According to Gen. Marwa, with the expansion of the operations, commands structure and staff strength of the Agency, he would need more support and collaboration from the UK government.
While applauding President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government for being very supportive of the work of the Agency in critical areas, Marwa asked for strengthened intelligence sharing collaboration, provision of essential operational logistics and training among others from the UK government.
Responding, Nick Fowler commended Marwa for the huge success NDLEA has become under his leadership.
He said the Agency has been able to play a significant role by intercepting loads of illicit drugs going to the UK, assuring that his office is now well positioned to share intelligence with NDLEA.