The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their determination to combat serious organized crimes in Nigeria and the UK by targeting drug cartels. The renewed commitment was announced during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on July 4th.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, and David Cater, Regional Manager, West Africa, NCA, expressed their shared goals of dismantling criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. The renewed MoU aims to enhance intelligence-driven operations that will identify and apprehend highly sophisticated organized crime syndicates operating within and beyond Nigeria.
General Marwa expressed optimism about the upcoming project between the NCA and NDLEA’s rebranded Criminal Intelligence Task Force (CITF), stating that it would provide the necessary specialist capabilities to target and disrupt drug trafficking cartels not only in Nigeria but also in the West Africa sub-region and beyond.
He extended his gratitude to the government of the United Kingdom for its ongoing technical support and commended the efforts of the dedicated personnel from the UK NCA. General Marwa emphasized the importance of proactive measures to manage intelligence and enhance capabilities in order to combat transnational organized crime, which poses a grave threat to lives and properties in both countries.
David Cater, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the renewal of the MoU and its significance for the collaborative efforts between NDLEA and NCA. He emphasized the need to take the battle to the drug cartels, expressing confidence in the ongoing project and assuring continued support for the NDLEA’s success in its assignments.
Both agencies recognize that serious organized crime is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that transcends national borders. They believe that by joining forces and intensifying their efforts, they can effectively disrupt and dismantle drug cartels, thereby protecting the lives and properties of the citizens in Nigeria and the UK.
The renewed commitment between the NDLEA and NCA represents a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against organized criminal groups and demonstrates the determination of both agencies to work together to eradicate the scourge of drug trafficking.
