NDLEA Deploys New Tools and Skills to Tackle Drug Trafficking at Airports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has bolstered its operations at major airports across Nigeria as selected officers and commanders undergo advanced training programs aimed at improving efficiency in targeting and intercepting illicit drug trafficking.
Facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the training workshops focused on the Advance Passenger Information System (API) and Passenger Targeting/Intelligence Gathering. Held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and Abuja, the sessions were designed to enhance the agency’s capacity to identify high-risk passengers, cargo, and mail. According to UNODC, these measures are critical for disrupting cross-border drug trafficking and criminal networks.
Commanders from key strategic commands, including ACGN Usman Ali Wadar of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and CN Mohammed Ajiya of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), participated in the six-day training in Abidjan. Additionally, 13 officers from MMIA and NAIA took part in a five-day session in Abuja. These officers are expected to cascade the knowledge and skills acquired to their colleagues for broader impact.
The training sessions were funded by international partners, including the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, under the AIRCOP Airport Communication Project.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the facilitators, Ms. Fabienne Russel of UNODC and Anderson Leme Siqueira of Brazilian Customs Administration, for their contributions. He also praised the participating officers for their dedication, urging them to apply their newly acquired skills and tools to improve operations across the country’s airports.
This initiative marks a significant step in NDLEA’s efforts to strengthen its fight against illicit drug trafficking through improved operational capabilities and international collaboration.
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