KEY POINTS
- NDLEA and UK’s HOIO have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost efforts against drugs.
- Pay special attention to intelligence sharing, following money trails and also joining efforts in operations
- Helps countries around the world cooperate using the best international standards
NDLEA and HOIO are joining forces by signing a MoU aimed at strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime and zeroing in on illegal drug trafficking between Nigeria and the UK.
At the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, the agreement was put into place.
A new collaboration
At the signing ceremony, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, HOIO’s Regional Manager for West Africa, complimented the continuous cooperation that had existed between the agencies. Furthermore he gave recognition to the system how Christopher Hawksfield set it up and reaffirmed his resolve to expand the partnership.
“I think the partnership HOIO has with NDLEA has worked very well and I’d like to strengthen it further now that we are beginning this brand new stage of our work,” said Cunliffe.
Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the MoU shows the trust and commitment of the nations to preserve the wellbeing of their citizens through joint fight against drugs.
“We are resolute in our commitment to shield the future and the lives of everyone through this MoU,” he mentioned.
Action plan to fight against drugs
Marwa pointed out that under the National Drug Control Master Plan, the NDLEA has greatly stepped up its efforts to combat drugs.
The MoU organizes and structures the efforts: sharing information and data, activities where two or more forces work together, working to take down traffickers and also their organizations, watching for illegal payments.
“When countries pass information, they help every nation to fight crime more effectively,” Marwa also underlined.
He said he believes the agreement will result in better public health and safety, as well as higher global standards in drug law enforcement.
