NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commended the agency’s growing global relevance in counter-narcotics operations following its participation in a high-level maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.

Marwa praised the involvement of NDLEA Maritime Intelligence Officers in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting held in Southampton, alongside operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.

He described Nigeria’s invitation as the only African country represented at the conference as a strong endorsement of the agency’s professionalism, operational capacity, and strategic importance in global anti-drug efforts.

According to Marwa, NDLEA officers’ participation in both conference sessions and joint exercises with the UK Border Force marks a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration against transnational organised crime.

He noted that exposure to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations would boost the agency’s capability to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s waterways and maritime corridors.

Marwa emphasised that such international engagements are essential in building a modern, intelligence-driven enforcement agency capable of responding to evolving drug trafficking patterns. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with global counterparts to protect Nigeria and contribute to international drug control efforts.

Reacting to a report presented by the leader of the delegation, Aminu Jega, Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, particularly the Home Office International Operations, for their cooperation and support.

Jega, who led the NDLEA delegation to the conference held between March 4 and 12, 2026, said the visit aimed to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration between Nigeria and relevant UK agencies.

He added that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to address emerging threats, enhance intelligence sharing, and develop collaborative operational strategies.

According to him, the NDLEA team also showcased the agency’s operational achievements during the event, attracting strong interest, constructive engagement, and commendation from participating international partners.

NDLEA Gains Global Recognition at UK Maritime Security Conference — Marwa