The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted specialized training programs to equip its officers with advanced skills in the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Targeting/Intelligence Gathering.

The training aimed to strengthen the agency’s ability to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo, and mail, combating illicit drug trafficking.

It also sought to improve international collaboration between countries of origin, transit, and destination to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.

In a statement on Friday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the training, which was facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, was held recently in Côte d’Ivoire and Abuja.

“Two key NDLEA Commanders, ACGN Usman Ali Wadar of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command and CN Mohammed Ajiya of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport participated in the six-day training in Abidjan.

Additionally, 13 officers from MMIA and NAIA underwent a five-day session in Abuja.

The officers are now tasked with cascading their newfound knowledge to their colleagues,” he added.

He said the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) lauded the officers for their commitment, urging them to integrate the newly acquired skills into their daily operations at the airports to enhance security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.