The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has concluded a specialised refresher training course for its Canine Unit, aimed at enhancing the agency’s drug detection capabilities across the country’s strategic transit hubs.
The training program, held at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos, was organised in partnership with the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA). It was facilitated by international technical dog handling experts Mr Andreas Roscher and Ms Jacqueline Shüler, who introduced global best practices to the Nigerian personnel.
A total of eleven Canine Unit personnel, including the Unit Commander, two veterinary doctors, and eight dog handlers, participated alongside their service dogs. Five additional officers from Lagos Commands interested in joining the unit also attended.
The intensive curriculum covered advanced obedience and control, narcotics detection techniques such as scent imprinting and search patterns, handler safety, and tactical deployment in high-risk zones. Participants also completed real-life simulation exercises at key entry and exit points, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall, the NAHCO export shed, and APM Terminals in Apapa.
Commending the initiative, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasised the agency’s commitment to modernising its workforce to combat increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.
“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,” Marwa stated. “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.”
Addressing operational needs, Marwa acknowledged ongoing manpower and logistics challenges within the unit, including shortages of service dogs, personnel, and boarding facilities required to cover Nigeria’s seaports, international airports, and land borders.
He assured that plans are underway to resolve these gaps and supported recommendations to establish the refresher course as an annual exercise.
