The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its maritime surveillance and interdiction capacity following the completion of an advanced training programme for its seaport operations officers in the United Kingdom.
A six-member delegation led by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Aminu Danjuma Jega, undertook the week-long working visit from October 19 to 25, 2025. The engagement, facilitated by Mr. Errol Flynn Macdonald of the UK Home Office International Operations (HOIO), exposed the officers to advanced maritime intelligence systems, port security operations, and international best practices in interdiction.
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that during the visit, the delegation held strategic sessions with the UK Border Force, National Crime Agency, Home Office Intelligence, the National Maritime Security Centre, and the Joint Maritime Security Centre in Portsmouth. The team also received briefings from the UK National Deep Rummaging Team and observed live vessel rummage demonstrations at Tilbury and Felixstowe Ports, including risk-based screening of inward-bound containers from Nigeria.
A key highlight of the training was the introduction of the Advanced Sea Searcher System, an underwater detection technology used to identify concealed contraband beneath ships and port structures. The system, described as highly precise and transformative, offers significant potential for enhancing NDLEA’s future maritime operations.
The capacity-building engagement continued in Lagos, where HOIO intelligence specialists trained 19 additional NDLEA personnel on Advanced Container Targeting from November 10 to 13. Both training sessions were fully sponsored by the UK Home Office International Operations.
Briefing the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Jega said the exposure significantly broadened the officers’ understanding of intelligence-led maritime enforcement.
“We were exposed to advanced tools, data-sharing systems, and inter-agency frameworks that will greatly enhance our maritime intelligence and port surveillance capabilities,” he said. “The practical demonstrations in vessel rummage and underwater detection were particularly impactful for strengthening our operations against transnational drug trafficking.”
Responding, Marwa praised the officers for their performance and reiterated the agency’s commitment to continuous professional development.
“Maritime routes remain critical in global drug trafficking networks,” he said. “Strengthening our officers’ technical capacity and deepening intelligence collaboration with international partners is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders. The lessons from this UK engagement will significantly enhance our ability to intercept drug consignments at sea.”
Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA will continue expanding collaboration with the UK HOIO and other global partners as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational organised drug crime.
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