The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations have formalized a new partnership to step up the fight against transnational organized crime, particularly focusing on the illicit drug trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The agreement was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
At the signing ceremony, HOIO’s Regional Manager for West Africa, Mr. Ian Cunliffe, commended the strong ties between the two agencies.
He acknowledged the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Christopher Hawksfield, and pledged to build on those efforts.
“I’d like to thank the chairman for his time and the gracious welcome. The relationship between HOIO and NDLEA has been really productive, and I’m keen to enhance that as we enter this new phase of partnership,” Cunliffe said.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized that the MoU goes beyond being a mere legal document, highlighting it as a symbol of shared trust and collaboration.
“This MoU reflects our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of our nations,” Marwa stated.
He further noted that the NDLEA has continued to intensify its drug control strategies in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan.
The new pact, he said, establishes a formal mechanism for intelligence and data exchange, consistent with both national regulations and global standards.
“This partnership strengthens our capacity to interdict criminal suspects, dismantle trafficking networks, and trace illicit financial flows more efficiently,” Marwa noted.
Marwa concluded by underlining the importance of enhanced intelligence collaboration, expressing hope that the alliance will lead to more effective enforcement and contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of citizens in both nations.
