Abuja – The United Kingdom says it will provide One Million Pounds (£1million) worth of support to enhance the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2022 and additional provision over a period of three years.
The Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler disclosed this 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 (rtd) on Thursday June 9.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) (2nd l) and Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler (2nd r) flanked by Africa Regional Director, Julie Hartfree (l) and West Africa Regional Manager, Kris Hawksfield during the visit.
In his welcome remarks, Marwa expressed appreciation to the visiting UK team and the British government for past support to the NDLEA.
He said with the expansion of the operations, command structure and staff strength of the Agency, he would need more support and collaboration from the UK government.
While stating that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been 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.
In his response, 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.
He assured that his office is now well-positioned to share intelligence with NDLEA.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) (m) and Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler (4th r) flanked from left: Military Assistant to NDLEA Chairman, Lt. Col. Murtala Aminu; Director of Intelligence, Sunday Zirangey; Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna; Africa Regional Director, Julie Hartfree; West Africa Regional Manager, Kris Hawksfield; Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Sunday Joseph and Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi during the visit.
The UK top official also said the British government is willing to enhance NDLEA’s operations with the provision of strategic equipment, logistics and training as part of a £1million plan, to be implemented in 2022 with additional support over the next three years.
