US AFRICOM backs NDLEA, vows deeper partnership with Marwa

By Stanley Ihedigbo

United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as a delegation from the command paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), pledging enhanced support and a deeper partnership in the fight against drug trafficking and related transnational crimes.

According to the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the leader of the delegation, Philip Esch, who is the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Liaison to AFRICOM, said in his remarks that the relationship between the NDLEA and the US-DEA is not only a partnership but one of high importance to the US government. He commended Marwa for providing strong leadership and for being open to international partnerships.

“We appreciate all the support and the leadership you provide. Obviously, you know that the relationship between NDLEA and the DEA is of utmost importance, and we appreciate the excellent relationship across US law enforcement with you and the NDLEA. We want that to continue, and we are very happy that your tenure was renewed for another five years. We really look forward to continued engagement,” Esch stated.

Also speaking at the meeting, another member of the delegation, James Elseth, expressed excitement about supporting the NDLEA because of the agency’s tremendous work in Nigeria, which he said also contributes to the security of other countries.

According to him, “I want to thank you, General, because you have a regional mindset and an international mindset, which is clearly reflected in the scope and impact of your work. A lot of countries that we work with are only focused on their own country. And just like the DEA and the FBI, we have an international mindset to try to stop organised crime from impacting our respective countries.”

He commended the NDLEA for the adequate maintenance of equipment and facilities earlier provided by the US government, while assuring that two major projects were already in the works to further support the agency, in addition to training and other forms of assistance.

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the ongoing support from US-AFRICOM to the NDLEA, while congratulating Philip Esch for his years of meritorious service to the US government.

“We appreciate very much the ongoing support from AFRICOM. I must also say that whatever we are achieving is due to this kind of support from you and our other international partners, and more importantly due to the commitment and encouragement from the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.

He urged the team to continue supporting the NDLEA, especially because of the nexus between illicit drugs and terrorism.

He noted that the agency would appreciate additional support in the areas of airport scanning equipment, digital forensic tools, portable drug detection equipment, forensic laboratory equipment, and sniffer dogs, among others.