The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (retd), has stated that with the number of recent arrests and seizures of illegal substances on the waterways and seaports, the anti-narcotic body’s capacity within the maritime space would tighten the noose on drug barons and cartels even more.
During the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos yesterday, Marwa made this statement. The British government constructed and donated the facility.
NDLEA Strengthens Its Grip On Cartels And Drug Lords
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the British High Commission in Nigeria for their trust in the project and their decision to invest in it.
The prompt delivery of this project and the high quality of the completed work clearly demonstrate the British government’s unwavering commitment to supporting our endeavors. Recently, the British government generously provided NDLEA with a comparable structure equipped with cutting-edge amenities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Home Office International Operations has been instrumental in bolstering the agency’s personnel capabilities and enhancing drug seizures and arrests through a series of capacity-building initiatives and equipment provisions. We express our deepest gratitude for the efforts of the British government and its institutions.
Over 80% of international trade is carried out by sea, and the figure is significantly higher for developing nations, according to UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
It is also applicable to the illicit drug trade, as drug traffickers have historically taken advantage of the vastness of the open sea and the intricate nature of maritime laws and jurisdictions to engage in their illegal activities.
While emphasizing the need for ongoing cooperation among security organizations operating in the maritime domain, the head of the NDLEA respectfully stated that the activities of their specialized marine unit in the Lagos waterways have highlighted the growing intricacy of maritime drug trafficking.
Aside from merchant ships, personal vessels, such as luxury yachts, modified pump boats, and fishing trawlers, are also being utilized in the expanding drug trade.
In his remarks on the occasion, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, justified why the UK government was supporting the work of NDLEA.
According to him, “It is also a delight to see such a wide range of people here at this event because from my perspective, that shows the level of commitment that we see from our Nigerian partners and colleagues to what is the really critical work carried out by the NDLEA in tackling drug trafficking.
“We in the UK support that work for a number of reasons. We’ve seen an increase in drug detections both in Nigeria and in the UK and so that shows us two things.
“Firstly, that there is a clear need for us to work together, to work collaboratively to tackle drug trafficking but it also shows that our efforts are paying dividends.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs. Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, in his remark, said: “The NDLEA’s presence in Lagos has been pivotal in curbing the illegal drug trade. Your efforts have not only protected our citizens, but also enhanced the overall security and well-being of our state.”
“Today’s (yesterday) commissioning of the NDLEA marine command headquarters, generously donated by the British government, marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against drug-related crimes.
It underscores the significance of international collaboration and strategic alliances in addressing the worldwide challenge of drug trafficking, particularly in coastal regions such as Lagos. On behalf of our government and the esteemed citizens of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the British government for this invaluable contribution, which will further enhance the NDLEA’s capabilities in effectively patrolling our waters and intercepting illicit drug activities.