PRESS RELEASE
The Thailand ambassador to
Nigeria, Mr. Chailert Limsomboon and the United States Foreign Affairs Officer
of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL),
Benjamin Bryan has pledged more support for the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA). Ambassador Chailert who visited the Agency’s headquarters in
Lagos said that his mission is to foster closer working relationship between
the Narcotic Control Board of Thailand and the NDLEA.
“The Thailand Embassy in Lagos is
seeking a cordial working relationship between the Narcotic Control Board in Thailand
and the NDLEA. West African drug cartels have global network smuggling drugs
from South America to other parts of the world. Some of them have so much money
and equipment such that we must partner to stop them. My task is to promote
good relationship between Thailand and Nigeria. Cooperation with the NDLEA is
important and I appreciate your collaboration in screening Nigerians applying
for Thailand visas” the ambassador stated.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive,
Ahmadu Giade who received the ambassador lauded the visa clearance agreement
with the Thailand Government. According to the Chairman, “the visa clearance
agreement with the Thailand Government and other countries is a proactive measure
in preventing drug trafficking. This visit will help to fine tune the visa clearance
policy and promote further collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs”.
Giade identified some reasons why
some applicants fail the visa clearance procedure. “We have observed that some
applicants claim to be business men and women when they are not. Applicants are
disqualified due to submission of fake bank details, wrong addresses,
incompetent sureties and incomplete documentation. The NDLEA will partner with
the Thailand government in making the visa clearance policy more effective”
Giade added.
Similarly, the US envoy Mr. Bryan
who was on an assessment visit to the NDLEA expressed satisfaction with the
level of collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in narcotic
control. “I am glad to be here to evaluate the areas of cooperation and find
out other aspects of needs the Agency may require. We want to support you in
specific priority aspects that will enhance your operational capacity” Bryan
stated. He adds that the position of Nigeria in West Africa is strategic and
working with the country will help address drug trafficking problem in the region.
Giade described the relationship
between INL and NDLEA as fruitful and promised to build on it. “The cordial
relationship between the NDLEA and INL is highly appreciated especially the
numerous training programmes that the INL organized and sponsored for NDLEA
officers. The tactical training conducted for officers has drastically reduced
cases of mob attacks during our operations. It will be highly beneficial if
more officers are trained in this regard” Giade stated.
The NDLEA boss also noted that the
visit of the US envoy is coming at a time the Agency is championing a change to
overcome contemporary global challenges in illicit drug production, trafficking
and abuse. “The NDLEA just concluded a summit for commanders in Kaduna where it
resolved to vigorously pursue a paradigm shift in its operations. The focus is
to propel an intelligence-led operation and reposition the Agency for the
challenges ahead”.
Apart from donation of equipment
to the Agency as well as on-going training programmes for officers, forty
lawyers from the NDLEA legal directorate will participate in a capacity
building programme in February 2015. The training is expected to cover critical
areas in criminal prosecution. The INL boss assured the NDLEA of further
capacity building programmes in tactical operation and control of cyber money
laundering.
The meeting was witnessed by
directors, commanders and principal staff officers.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
08034088136
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