NDLEA Trains Sniffer Dog Handlers with German Experts to Boost Drug Detection

 NDLEA Trains Sniffer Dog Handlers with German Experts to Boost Drug Detection

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strengthened the operational capacity of its canine unit through a specialised refresher training programme conducted by German technical dog-handling experts to improve narcotics detection and interdiction.

The training, held at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos, was organised in collaboration with the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and facilitated by two technical dog-handling experts, Andreas Roscher and Jacqueline Shüler.

The exercise brought together 11 personnel from the NDLEA Canine Unit, comprising the Unit Commander, two veterinary doctors and eight dog handlers, alongside their service dogs.

Five additional officers from NDLEA commands within Lagos State who have expressed interest in joining the Canine Unit also participated in the training.

According to the Agency, the programme was designed to sharpen the operational skills of handlers and improve the effectiveness of service dogs deployed for the detection of narcotics.

The training covered advanced obedience and control techniques, narcotics detection, scent imprinting, search patterns, handler safety and tactical deployment of canine assets in high-risk environments.

Participants also took part in practical, real-life simulation exercises at strategic locations, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall, APM Terminals Apapa and the MMIA NAHCO export shed.

Speaking on the exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the training as another step towards building a highly skilled and professional workforce capable of confronting increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.

Marwa said the Agency's canine teams remained critical to its drug detection and interdiction operations, particularly at airports, seaports and land borders.

He said, “Our canine teams remain one of the most potent assets in our detection and interdiction efforts, and this is why we will continue to invest in their retraining and welfare.

“The successes we have recorded at our airports, seaports and border points in intercepting concealed narcotics are in no small measure due to the dedication and sharpened instincts of our dogs and their handlers.

“This partnership with our German counterparts further strengthens that capacity and aligns our operations with global best practices.”

The NDLEA chairman also acknowledged manpower and logistics challenges confronting the Canine Unit, including the need for additional service dogs, personnel and boarding facilities.

He said the Agency was working towards addressing the identified gaps to ensure adequate canine coverage of Nigeria's seaports, international airports and land borders.

Marwa further disclosed that the refresher training is expected to become an annual exercise, following recommendations from the programme, to ensure that handlers and their service dogs remain abreast of evolving techniques in narcotics detection.

The NDLEA said sustained investment in specialised training and canine welfare would enhance the Agency's ability to detect and intercept illicit drugs concealed in luggage, cargo and other consignments across Nigeria's strategic entry and exit points.