The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO) have formalized a new phase of cooperation aimed at tackling transnational organized crime, particularly drug trafficking and the movement of prohibited goods between both countries.
The agreement was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Speaking during the signing, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), expressed confidence in the continued success of the bilateral relationship.
He emphasized that the MoU reinforces Nigeria’s commitment under its National Drug Control Master Plan. He described it as more than a formal agreement—calling it a strategic move that enables lawful and secure information exchange, intelligence sharing, and joint operational efforts aligned with both national regulations and international standards.
He further remarked, “By deepening intelligence cooperation, we enhance our capacity to identify suspects, dismantle trafficking syndicates, and track illicit financial flows more effectively.”
In his remarks, Ian Cunliffe, Regional Manager (West Africa) for HOIO, highlighted the importance of the longstanding relationship between both agencies.
This partnership signals a shared determination to confront cross-border criminal networks with a united front, prioritizing public safety and international cooperation.
