MaritimeNews

Drug Smuggling: Deep Blue Project To Boost Surveillance At Seaports

NDLEA to sensitize NSDP Cadets on drug abuse, trafficking

Operations of the Deep Blue Project, a comprehensive maritime security architecture for Nigeria, will be expanded to enhance surveillance and other security measures to curb drugs smuggling via Nigerian seaports.

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) affirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the Deep Blue Project when the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Bubar Marwa (Rtd) paid a courtesy visit to NIMASA headquarters recently.

Deep Blue Project is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal Ministry of Defence, domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria, pledging that NIMASA would integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.

Dr. Mobereola’s words: “We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs. NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.”

In response, Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA. The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge,” he said.

Highlighting recent developments, Brig. Gen. Marwa noted that recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports.

“Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat. We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he said.

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

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