NIGERIA: JOINT CRITIQUE WITH BRITISH ON NDLEA'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001831

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2015
TAGS: KCRM PGOV SNAR NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: JOINT CRITIQUE WITH BRITISH ON NDLEA'S
PERFORMANCE


Classified By: Ambassador John Campbell for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: The U.S. and British Ambassadors agreed to
develop and deliver a joint critique of the poor performance
at present of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) to the Nigerian Attorney General in an attempt to
highlight U.S./UK concern regarding Nigeria's massive
problems with narcotics smuggling and the poor GON
institutional response. End Summary.


2. (C) At the request of the British High Commissioner,
Ambassador Campbell met with his counterpart and two agents
from the British equivalent of the Drug Enforcement Agency on
September 26, with Poloff as note taker. The British High
Commissioner discussed growing frustration with the
performance of Nigeria's lead drug enforcement agency, the
NDLEA, one that suggests that at least some of its personnel
may actually be facilitating illicit drug crimes.


3. (C) The British High Commissioner noted that his country
has been struggling with the Nigerian drug smuggling problem
for more than two decades, but is getting worse. Earlier
this year, he said, British customs agents were arresting up
to 20 smugglers a month who were attempting to enter the UK.
He said that subsequent arrest rates at UK ports have
diminished slightly, but only because of the aggressive use
of drug sniffing dogs by British agents.


4. (C) Both ambassadors agreed that a joint approach to the
Nigerian Attorney General would be an effective strategy.
Although the UK does not have a drug certification process
like the U.S., the unified approach would underscore high
level UK and U.S. concern and introduce the potential for
punitive consequences. The Nigerian AG has indicated a
willingness to take on politically sensitive issues such as
this.


5. (C) Comment This will be an opportunity to highlight to
the Attorney General the current short-comings of the NDLEA
and to remind him of the importance of the U.S. certification
process. End Comment.
CAMPBELL