The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has boosted its maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities following an intensive training programme in the United Kingdom for its officers.
According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a six-man team led by Deputy Commander Narcotics Aminu Danjuma Jega visited key UK maritime and border enforcement facilities from October 19 to 25, 2025. Under the guidance of the UK Home Office International Operations (HOIO), the team gained exposure to international best practices in maritime intelligence, port security, and inter-agency coordination.
The training included presentations by the UK National Deep Rummaging Team on advanced vessel inspection techniques and live demonstrations at Tilbury and Felixstowe Ports, where containers from Nigeria underwent layered risk-based screening.
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A second phase of the training, focused on Advanced Container Targeting, was conducted in Lagos from November 10 to 13 for 19 additional NDLEA officers, also supported by HOIO.
Babafemi stated that the lessons learned would strengthen NDLEA’s collaboration with other Nigerian maritime and security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve port surveillance operations. He highlighted the practical benefits of advanced tools, data-sharing models, and inter-agency coordination frameworks observed during the UK engagement.
NDLEA Chairman Mohammed Buba Marwa praised the officers for their representation of Nigeria and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to continuous capacity building and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
He said the training would be key in intercepting drug consignments and securing Nigeria’s maritime routes.
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The NDLEA continues to deepen cooperation with the UK Home Office International Operations and other global law enforcement partners to combat transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
