By Oluwakemi Kindness
Nigeria’s efforts to combat drug trafficking through its waterways have come into focus following the participation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a major maritime intelligence conference in the United Kingdom.
Chairman of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the engagement as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s global anti-narcotics profile.
He noted that NDLEA officers participated in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting in Southampton, alongside operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth.
Marwa said Nigeria’s invitation as the only African participant reflects international recognition of the agency’s growing professionalism.
At the same time, he acknowledged that such exposure highlights the need to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime enforcement capacity.
According to him, the engagement provided officers with hands-on experience in advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing systems, and real-time maritime operations.
He stressed that these tools are critical to tackling transnational drug networks exploiting Nigeria’s waterways.
Marwa maintained that sustained international collaboration is essential to building a modern, intelligence-driven NDLEA.
He also commended UK authorities, including the Home Office International Operations and Border Force, for supporting the initiative.
Leader of the delegation, Aminu Jega, said the visit was aimed at deepening operational cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Jega noted that the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders across Europe to address emerging threats and strengthen intelligence sharing.
He added that NDLEA’s presentation attracted strong interest and commendation from international partners. “Despite these gains, Nigeria continues to face challenges in maritime surveillance, coordination, and enforcement”.
