British Government Trains NDLEA Marine Officers in Nigeria, UK

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says no fewer than 35 officers of its Marine Command and Seaports Operations have undergone various training sessions organized by the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO.

The specialized training was completed in Nigeria and the United Kingdom to augment their operational efficacy. The NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed this in a statement made on Saturday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the training was facilitated by British Military, Nigerian Navy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime under the Global Maritime Crime Programme. He further went on to say five among the 35 officers are undergoing a two-week Maritime Patrol and Tactical Coxswain training at Central Maritime Training Unit in Southampton.

“The trainings according to the HOIO, are to enhance the border control capabilities of the NDLEA by providing specialized training, mentoring and advanced drug detection equipment”, said Babafemi.

“Key areas covered so far include boat handling, weapons handling, riverine operations, boarding and vessel search, among many others.” He added that the ongoing two-week training would enable them to plan maritime deployments, pursue, stop and board vessels on the high seas.

According to the statement, Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, thanked the UK government for its “continued support and commitment to tackle  drug trafficking.” Marwa urged the officers to “remain steadfast in their professional calling and bring to bear the essence of the training on their formations and colleagues.”

“He assured them that he will continue to prioritize training and retraining for all officers, men and women of the Agency.”

Meanwhile, the Home Office International Operations Regional Manager for West Africa, Kris Hawksfield, said during his visit to the team in Southampton that “HOIO was immensely proud and honored to work with and support the work of NDLEA.”

Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com for more.