News Investigators/ The French government has commended the operational successes of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders, describing it as one of the world’s best.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier gave the commendation while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the agency in Abuja.
Mr. Fonbaustier said there are lessons France can learn from Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs, noting also that Nigeria equally has something to learn from her country.
In a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi on Friday in Abuja, the French ambassador to Nigeria noted that the agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics.
This, he said included the successful interception of over 57,792 arrests; 9.9million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years.
Mr. Fonbaustier added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs placed 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.
“This gives 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,” Mr. Fonbaustier said.
In his remarks, the NDLEA Chairman, retired,. Buba Marwa expressed appreciation for the donation of the equipment to NDLEA.
Mr. Marwa, a retired Brigadier General, said 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.”
The NDLEA boss emphasised earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions.
This, he said included support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.(NAN)
