The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos to boost efforts against drug trafficking on Nigeria’s waterways, with support from the British government.

NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa emphasised the value of international cooperation.

NDLEA

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The drug agency has intensified its fight against drug trafficking by enhancing its capabilities in Nigeria’s maritime space.

During the commissioning of the agency’s new Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, Buba Marwa, chairman and chief executive of the NDLEA, announced this milestone.

The facility, built with support from the British government, is designed to tackle drug cartels operating through Nigeria’s waterways.

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Bolstering The Agency’s Capabilities

Buba Marwa expressed deep appreciation to the British High Commission for their investment in the project, noting that the timely delivery and high standards of the facility reflect the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts.

Furthermore, he emphasised that this facility, along with other contributions from the UK—such as the state-of-the-art centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport—has bolstered the agency’s ability to make significant drug seizures and arrests.

Citing data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Marwa pointed out that over 80 percent of global trade moves by sea, which makes maritime routes a key target for drug traffickers.

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Consequently, the NDLEA’s decision to upgrade the marine unit to a full-fledged command in 2022 has already proven successful, with recent operational gains including the interception of over 61,688kg of drugs and the arrest of 41 suspects.

In addition, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the UK’s ongoing support, praising the collaborative efforts that have disrupted drug smuggling networks.

Ultimately, experts expect that the new Marine Command Headquarters will play a critical role in securing Nigeria’s waterways and strengthening the NDLEA’s operations against drug cart.

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