By HeapNews
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reiterated the critical role of training in combating the menace of drug trafficking. This was emphasized by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, during the closing ceremony of a two-week training for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking.
The program, sponsored by the German government, concluded on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the NDLEA national headquarters in Jahi, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Marwa highlighted the importance of building professional capacity through training. “To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training. Unless personnel are properly equipped with training, they cannot do their job,” he said.
The training, organized by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), focused on crime scene investigation principles and the West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The 23 participants underwent a mix of classroom sessions, presentations, and practical exercises, equipping them with advanced skills to tackle international drug trafficking.
Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio, a representative of the German embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Nigeria’s security. “The federal foreign office funding of this programme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in police reforms and security sector reform more generally,” 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.”
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration, Marwa stated, “We appreciate deeply the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking. It’s a collaborative effort now. Because the drug terrain is international.” He also commended the effectiveness of the German-supported canine unit in major operations, such as the 2021 discovery of a Captagon shipment at Lagos Port.
To the trainees, Marwa emphasized the prestige of receiving training from the BKA. “Count yourselves lucky that you are beneficiaries of training from one of the world’s most efficient institutions on criminal policing. Take full advantage of it, and let’s see its impact on the ground.”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to the participants and a donation of substance-testing kits from BKA’s liaison officer, Dominik Muller. In return, NDLEA presented plaques and mementos to the German trainers as tokens of appreciation.