The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated a new sniffer dog facility in Ikeja, Lagos, with support from the German government.
The facility, commissioned on Friday, is designed to house, train, and care for sniffer dogs to enhance their work with handlers in detecting narcotics and contraband.
Buba Marwa, chairman of NDLEA, described the project as a milestone in the agency’s collaboration with Germany, noting that the new infrastructure would bolster ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking.
“May I assure all stakeholders that the provision of this facility will significantly drive our fight against illicit drugs, fulfil our core mandate, and secure the future of our nation,” Marwa said.
Advertisement
“Everyone who understands the pivotal role of sniffer dogs in drug interdiction will share my sentiment and joy today.
”These canines play a critical role, using their heightened sense of smell to identify and detect concealed narcotic substances in cargo and shipments at our airports, seaports, land borders, courier service centres, and bus stations.”
He noted that the quality of the facility reflects Germany’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the NDLEA’s canine unit, which has been instrumental in several successful operations, including the seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at the Apapa seaport in 2021.
Advertisement
He added that the new centre would not only provide a conducive environment for the dogs but also motivate agency personnel to maintain operational excellence.
Daniel Krull, consul-general of Germany, said his country was committed to supporting Nigeria’s drug war, adding that the success of the NDLEA was critical to regional and international security.
“Chairman, I would like to congratulate you on the implementation of this important project and the amazing work of your agency under your leadership,” he said.
“I would like to thank you and all your staff members for the trust you have in your German partners. And that trust, I think, is the most important currency in this international cooperation.”
Advertisement
Florian Bulow, deputy head of section IZ14 BKA in Berlin, described the NDLEA-Germany partnership as one of the longest-running projects in police capacity building.
Marwa noted that while the agency had made significant strides in drug interdiction, sustained support and innovation would be crucial in consolidating progress.
