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