Drug Trafficking: NDLEA,NIMASA set to fight crime
*As Military renews strategy against insurgents
By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its dedication to partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
This commitment was highlighted during a recent visit by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.
During the visit, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, praised the NDLEA for its significant strides in addressing drug-related crimes nationwide.
He emphasized NIMASA’s readiness to collaborate with the NDLEA to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment from illicit drug shipments.
“We are pleased to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose outstanding leadership has made a notable impact in the fight against illicit drugs,” said Dr. Mobereola.
“NIMASA is committed to working together with NDLEA to confront the challenges of drug trafficking, especially through our Ports and Terminals. Together, we can prevent the exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime domain for criminal activities.”
Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and stressed the importance of collaboration to tackle the escalating threat of drug trafficking via maritime routes.
“As the authority responsible for combatting drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we understand that this mission requires strong partnerships with key stakeholders like NIMASA.
The global maritime landscape has become a pathway for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are eager to collaborate with NIMASA to address this pressing issue,” he stated.
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He further noted recent drug seizures at Lagos ports, highlighting the urgency for cooperative efforts to secure these critical entry points. “To this end, we have established a Marine Command within the NDLEA to specifically address this emerging threat. We propose a close partnership between our unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.”
Additionally, Brig. Gen. Marwa committed to supporting the education of NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) regarding the dangers of drug abuse.
Dr. Mobereola assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would seek ways to incorporate NDLEA personnel into the current maritime security framework, especially within the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project is a collaborative initiative involving the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, housed within NIMASA, with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.
