The French government has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its achievements against drug trafficking, citing its high prosecution and conviction rates.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, gave the commendation on Thursday while presenting operational equipment donated by France to NDLEA’s Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Fonbaustier noted that the NDLEA, in four years, recorded 57,792 arrests, 9.9 million kilograms of drug seizures, and 10,572 convictions.
This success in the drug war, he said, positions the country as a strong partner for collaboration with France.
“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, and high rates of convictions and as such, we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well,” Fonbaustier stated.
In response, Marwa expressed gratitude for the donated equipment, describing France as a valuable partner.
“Nigeria and France have been good partners, especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France,” he said. “The equipment are very important operational tools that will go a long way to enhance our work.”
He also reiterated NDLEA’s request for special training in cybercrime investigations and support for the agency’s Alternative Development Project, which aims to transition cannabis farmers to alternative crop farming.
