NDLEA’s Joseph Icha Appointed Director at International Police Academy

T The International Police Academy (IPA), a globally recognized law enforcement training institution headquartered in New York, United States, has appointed Deputy Commander General (DCG) Joseph Ogirima Icha of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as Director of International Counter-Narcotics Training.

The appointment, which is on an honorary basis, was confirmed by the Academy’s Executive Board as a recognition of Icha’s professional contributions to law enforcement, security development, and academic advancement. It also reflects the global commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking through collaborative training, knowledge sharing, and international partnerships.

Founded with a presence in the United States, Europe, and more than 140 countries, the International Police Academy is dedicated to providing advanced education and research opportunities for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians worldwide.

In its official certificate of appointment, endorsed by IPA President, Shuaib Adam, and Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Alexander Jan, the Academy stated:
“DCG Joseph Ogirima Icha has been officially appointed as a Director of the Academy—Honorary Member of the International Police Academy (IPOA) and UNIPOL International Police University—in recognition of his distinguished contributions to law enforcement, security, and academic advancement.”

Currently serving as the Director of Training and Manpower Development at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, Icha has been at the forefront of building capacity within the agency through modern training programmes, reforms, and strategic international collaborations. His efforts have aligned NDLEA’s operations with global best practices, strengthening Nigeria’s role in the international fight against drug trafficking.

Reacting to the news, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the appointment as a clear recognition of the professionalism and dedication of NDLEA officers. He emphasized that the achievement reflects not only Icha’s personal accomplishments but also Nigeria’s growing reputation as a strong partner in global drug control.

According to Marwa, “this appointment is not just a personal achievement for Icha, but a collective pride for the Agency and indeed the country. It shows that the world is watching the reforms and progress being made in Nigeria’s drug law enforcement efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is also a challenge to all our officers and men to continue to give their best in the service of our fatherland, knowing that excellence does not go unnoticed.”

He further urged Icha to leverage his new platform to strengthen Nigeria’s image globally and to promote capacity building initiatives for officers in other countries facing similar drug enforcement challenges.

The appointment of DCG Icha underscores Nigeria’s increasing recognition on the global stage in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, further cementing the NDLEA’s status as a key player in international law enforcement cooperation.