To strengthen efforts towards tackling drug trafficking on Nigeria waters, the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, handed over two epenal boats, operational and training equipment to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The event, which took place at the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, was aimed at improving the operational efficiency and the capacity of the agency’s maritime unit.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, Hamza Kaoje, said the move was to further build a relationship with the agency as Navy also conducted two day trainings for NDLEA personnel on boats handling in maritime crime situation.
He stressed that in October 2021, the NN intercepted shipment of 32.9kg of cocaine on board MV CHAYANEE NAREE with the collaborative efforts of Interpol and NDLEA and that on April 19, 2022, Forward Operating Base BADAGRY patrol boat intercepted and seized 40 bags of cannabis at Ajulo waterside, which was handed over to NDLEA for destruction, adding that this donation would renew collaborative efforts in dealing with maritime crimes.
Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), said the ongoing synergy between the agency and other stakeholders, especially the military will further tighten the noose on drug cartels and spell doom for their activities in the country.
Marwa, who was represented by Director of Seaports Operations, Mrs. Omolade Foboyede, described the gesture as symbolic and the beginning of an era of stronger ties between both institutions.
“The agency is determined to cripple the activities of drug cartels on every front. We do not doubt that the combination of naval and narcotics strategies will spell doom for drug barons in the coming days. NDLEA will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders as we tighten the noose on drug criminals,” he said.
