In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, 23 officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have graduated from an intensive two-week training program sponsored by the German government.
The training, which focused on combating international drug trafficking, was held at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized the importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking.
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“To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training,” he said.
The training program, organized by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), covered core areas such as principles of crime scene investigations and training in West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The participants were engaged in classroom work, presentations, and practical exercises throughout the program.
Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio, representative of the German embassy, praised the NDLEA’s efforts in combating drug trafficking. “The NDLEA is a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security, and wellbeing of its citizens,” she said. “By investing in the capacity of these officers, you have strengthened not only Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking but also the global framework for combating this menace.”
Marwa appreciated the German government’s support, noting that the canine unit supplied and funded by the Germans has been effective in critical cases. “We appreciate deeply the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking. It’s a collaborative effort now,” he said.
The graduation ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the participants. The BKA liaison officer in Nigeria, Dominik Muller, presented a donation of kits and resources for substance testing to the agency, while the NDLEA presented plaques and mementos to the trainers in appreciation of their efforts.