By Seyi Odewale
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral M.G Oamen, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Tincan Island Port Strategic Commander Ofoyeju Mitchell of collaboration in combating illicit drug trafficking.
The naval boss gave the assurance yesterday during an advocacy visit to the Western Naval Command, part of a concerted effort to reinforce interdiction capabilities at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
Oamen expressed strong support for the NDLEA’s initiatives and underscored the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in addressing the scourge of drug abuse.
“The Navy is fully aware that drug trafficking and abuse are serious transnational crimes capable of disrupting economic growth and development. Working together to combat drug trafficking and related criminality is in the interest of the country, and the Nigerian Navy will give necessary support in dislodging drug criminals,” he affirmed.
During the visit, Mitchell emphasised the Nigerian Navy’s critical role in maritime security and the prevention of drug trafficking through the nation’s waterways.
He said, “The sea routes are a major gateway that drug trafficking cartels can exploit. NDLEA recognises your strength and unique selling point on issues related to national maritime security, and we are delighted to collaborate with you in line with the cardinal policy thrust of the Chairman Chief Executive Officer, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (retd).”
The highlight of the visit was the exchange of gifts and the decoration of the flag officer as a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) partner.
This engagement, according to the NDLEA Commander, marks a significant step towards fostering a united front against drug abuse and trafficking by both institutions of government.
“It highlights our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our institutions and the need for robust inter-agency collaboration. Joining forces with your esteemed and impregnable force will significantly disrupt the logistics of illicit drug trafficking and, simultaneously, address drug abuse challenges within our communities,” the commander stated.
The visit included a sensitisation lecture aimed at raising awareness among naval personnel regarding the dangers of drug abuse, as well as strategies for effective collaboration between NDLEA and the Nigerian Navy in the fight against narcotics.
Participants expressed satisfaction with Commander Mitchell’s lecture on the Dangers of Drug Abuse: Our Roles and Responsibilities.
There was a questions and answers segment aimed at deepening participants’ understanding.
As the NDLEA and the Nigerian Navy strengthen their partnership, both organisations remain hopeful that continual outreach efforts and education will contribute toward a decline in drug-related activities and foster safer environments for all Nigerians.
The advocacy visit concluded with both sides pledging to enhance cooperation in ongoing anti-drug operations and community outreach programmes.
