France Lauds NDLEA, Donates Operational Equipment

The French government has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) ‘s operational successes in illicit drug control, high rate of prosecution, and conviction of offenders.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier, gave the commendation while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

He noted that the NDLEA had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests, 9.9 million kilograms of seizures, and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years, adding that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs place the country in a good position for great partnership and collaboration with France.

“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well”, Ambassador Fonbaustier stated.

In his remark, Marwa expressed appreciation for the donation of the equipment to NDLEA, noting that “Nigeria and France have been good partners, especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France. The equipment are very important operational tools that will go a long way to enhance our work.”

He emphasized earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions as well as support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the Agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.