NDLEA & UK HOIO Sign MoU to Strengthen Fight Against Drug Trafficking, Organised Crime
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the United Kingdom have formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant agreement is set to enhance joint efforts in combating transnational organised crime, with a particular focus on disrupting the trafficking of illicit drugs and other prohibited commodities between Nigeria and the UK.
The signing ceremony, held on Monday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, saw representatives from both agencies express commitment to deeper cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, Regional Manager (West Africa) for HOIO, acknowledged the existing strong relationship between the two bodies. He commented, “I would like to start by thanking the chairman for his time today and for the gracious welcome. I know the chairman had a great relationship with my predecessor, Christopher Hawksfield and with HOIO which has been really productive, and I am really keen to maintain and enhance that relationship going forward.” Mr. Cunliffe further stated that the signing of the MoU marked “the beginning of the next phase of our relationship.”
In his remarks, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, reciprocated the positive sentiment, acknowledging the excellent relationship with HOIO and Mr. Cunliffe’s predecessor. General Marwa pledged to extend the same level of cooperation and support to Mr. Cunliffe. He also commended the HOIO for the “tremendous work” it has been doing in partnership with the Nigerian anti-narcotics agency.
The MoU is expected to facilitate increased intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building initiatives aimed at effectively dismantling criminal networks operating across international borders and protecting citizens from the harms of drug trafficking and organised crime.
