Pubdate: Mon, 19 Apr 2004
Source: Vanguard (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2004 Vanguard.
Contact:  http://www.vanguardngr.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2890
Author: Taye Obateru

LAFIAJI SEEKS COOPERATION IN W-AFRICA AGAINST NARCOTICS

CHAIRMAN/CHIEF Executive of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency 
(NDLEA) Alhaji Bello Lafiaji has identified cooperation among countries in 
West Africa as key to the success of the war against drugs in the 
sub-region. He stated this at the graduation of the first international 
training course of the NDLEA Regional Academy, Jos saying, "it is only when 
we act in concert that the war against drugs can be won. "He described the 
course as a boost for the West African Joint Operations Initiative against 
drugs currently underway. Alhaji Bello said the course marked the first 
concrete step towards actualizing the dream of establishing a regional 
training centre which would provide joint training opportunities for 
anti-drugs operatives in West Africa and enhance operational collaboration.

He advised the 34 graduates drawn from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cape 
Verde, Gambia and Nigeria, to put what they have learnt during the course 
into practice in their respective countries toward raising the 
counter-narcotics standard in the sub-region. He thanked the United States 
International Narcotics Liaison Service, the United States Drug Enforcement 
Administration and other bodies and governments that have made the dream of 
upgrading the academy into a regional training centre a reality.

Commandant of the academy, Isah Likita Mohammed said it was gratifying that 
international training has successfully taken off at the institution in 
pursuance of the goal of regional law enforcement cooperation and 
operations. He called for support for this drive from various governments 
and agencies urging countries in West Africa to consolidate on the gains of 
regional training for their mutual benefit.
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