The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the United Kingdom have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement aims to strengthen their collaborative efforts in combating transnational organized crime, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods between Nigeria and the UK.
During the MoU signing ceremony held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 26, 2025, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, HOIO’s Regional Manager for West Africa, expressed his appreciation for the productive relationship already established between the NDLEA and HOIO.
He said: “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, really productive and I am really keen to maintain and enhance that relationship going forward.
“I think the signing of this MoU today is the beginning of the next phase of our relationship.”
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said in a statement sent to Persecondnews on Monday in Abuja that NDLEA’s Chairman/CEO, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, while acknowledging the excellent relationship with HOIO and Mr Cunliffe’s predecessor, said: “I have absolutely no doubt that we will also have the same relationship with you. I appreciate HOIO for all the tremendous work that you have been doing with us.
“The MoU is not just an agreement; it is indeed a reaffirmation of our mutual trust, cooperation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of our respective nations.
“Nigeria, through the NDLEA, continues to scale up its drug control measures in accordance with the National Drug Control Master Plan.
“We have a roadmap, and this MoU adds to the strategic framework by establishing a clear, lawful, and secure mechanism for sharing personal data, intelligence, and operational insights in line with international conventions, national laws, and global best practices.
“Together, I know we will close ranks against crime and deepen the bonds of mutual responsibility and respect. We are convinced that stronger intelligence sharing leads to stronger enforcement.
“This partnership will enhance our collective ability to interdict criminal suspects, disrupt trafficking networks, and trace illicit financial flows with greater precision and speed.”
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