The French government has pledged increased support and collaboration with Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This assurance was delivered by the French Police Attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Phillipe Crespo, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
The visit marked the conclusion of an intensive special operations training for NDLEA officers, conducted by the elite tactical unit of the French National Police, known as RAID. This training, held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, is the third of its kind in the past two years, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations.
Mr. Crespo, accompanied by Messrs. Phillipe Barrau, Tony Albaladejo, and Cedric Hocquette, commended the NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), for his warm reception and unwavering commitment to international collaboration. "The success of NDLEA’s operations is not only protecting Nigerians but also communities abroad through significant seizures of illicit drugs destined for Europe and beyond," Crespo stated.
He further proposed that this burgeoning partnership be formalized in a memorandum of understanding in the coming year, highlighting the importance of sustained cooperation in tackling global drug challenges.
French technical expert Phillipe Barrau praised the professionalism and expertise of the NDLEA officers involved in the training, noting, "Both sides have much to learn from each other, and the seamless execution of the program is a testament to the capacity of the NDLEA Academy."
In response, Brig-Gen Marwa expressed gratitude for the continued support from the French government. Reflecting on his 2022 visit to the RAID headquarters in France, he remarked, "I never anticipated such swift and consistent follow-up to my request for training. The global drug problem requires a united front, and our collaboration is a vital step in confronting drug cartels that threaten public health and security worldwide."
Marwa also acknowledged the broader diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the partnership under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron.
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