TheCable

The Nigerian air force (NAF) says it has acquired 20 security dogs trained to detect improvised explosive devices (IED) and other ammunition to enhance the war against insurgency.

Olatokunbo Adesanya, the director of public relations and information, NAF, confirmed this on Thursday.

He said 12 soldiers have been trained to handle the dogs.

“Considering the security challenges currently being faced in the country, the dogs are newly acquired and trained to detect explosives, arms and ammunitions, narcotics as well as other substances,” he said.

“The dogs will complement the detection of explosive devices.

“This is in line with the international best practices in the use of dogs for security purposes. Human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance is one of the visions of the current leadership of the air force.

“We also trained 12 personnel of our air provost specialty in advanced dog handling techniques to enhance their proficiency in carrying out criminal investigations and other security-related duties.”

PUNCH reports that trainings held in South Africa and the Nigeria police force dog breeding and training centre in Abuja.