A delegation of senior officials of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its leadership and sustained collaboration with United States law enforcement agencies, assuring of strengthened partnership in the fight against illicit drugs.
The delegation met with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, the visiting officials described the relationship between NDLEA and AFRICOM as strategic and mutually beneficial.
Leader of the delegation and US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, Philip Esch, said the partnership between NDLEA and the US-DEA remains a priority for the United States government.
“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. The relationship between NDLEA and DEA is of utmost importance, and we value the excellent cooperation across US law enforcement with you and the NDLEA,” Esch said.
He congratulated Marwa on the renewal of his tenure for another five years, noting that the delegation looked forward to sustained engagement and deeper collaboration.
Another member of the delegation, James Elseth, praised NDLEA for what he described as its regional and international approach to drug control, saying the agency’s efforts contribute to global security beyond Nigeria.
“I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, and that is clearly reflected in the scope and impact of your work. Many agencies focus only on their own countries, but like the DEA and FBI, NDLEA understands the international nature of organised crime,” Elseth said.
He also commended the agency for properly maintaining equipment and facilities previously provided by the US government, adding that two major support projects were already in progress alongside ongoing training programmes.
Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and for the continued support from US-AFRICOM, describing international cooperation as critical to NDLEA’s successes.
“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. Whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and other international partners, as well as the commitment and encouragement from the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Marwa urged the delegation to sustain its support, particularly in view of the growing nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
He identified priority areas for further assistance to include airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection devices, forensic laboratory equipment and sniffer dogs.
