Ongoing Training Vital In Battle Against Drug Cartels, Says NDLEA Boss

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stressed the critical role of continuous training in effectively combating drug trafficking, highlighting a recent two-week training program sponsored by the German government.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasised the importance of professional development for agency personnel in tackling the transnational nature of the drug trade.

The training, which concluded on Friday at the NDLEA headquarters, saw 23 officers from various departments undergo intensive instruction by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in areas such as crime scene investigation and the West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The program included classroom lectures, presentations, and practical exercises.

“To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority is the professionalism of our human resources, achieved only through training,” Marwa stated at the closing ceremony.

He underscored that properly equipped personnel are essential for effective law enforcement.

Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio, representing the German embassy, emphasised the German government’s commitment to supporting police reforms and security sector improvements in Nigeria.

She highlighted the training as part of a broader engagement to address international drug trafficking and praised the NDLEA as “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security, and wellbeing.”

She stressed that investing in the agency’s capacity strengthens both Nigeria’s and the global fight against drug trafficking.

Marwa expressed gratitude for the German government’s support, noting the significant impact of previously supplied canine units, particularly in the 2021 discovery of a large Captagon shipment in Lagos Port.

He urged the newly trained officers to utilise their acquired skills effectively, emphasising the high calibre of training received from the BKA, a globally recognised leader in criminal policing.

The ceremony included the presentation of certificates to the participants, a donation of substance testing kits and resources from the BKA, and the exchange of plaques and mementoes between the NDLEA and the German trainers.

The event underscored the collaborative international effort required to combat the pervasive threat of drug cartels.