National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated a German-funded sniffer dog facility in Ikeja, Lagos, aimed at strengthening its operations in narcotics detection and interdiction.
Gatekeepers News reports that the centre, inaugurated on Friday, is built to house, train, and care for sniffer dogs, enabling them to work more effectively with handlers in uncovering drugs and contraband.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa, described the project as a landmark in Nigeria’s collaboration with Germany.
He said, “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.”
“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 further highlighted that the quality of the facility underscored Germany’s longstanding commitment to the NDLEA’s canine unit, which has contributed to major seizures, including the interception of 74.119kg of captagon at the Apapa seaport in 2021.
According to him, the new centre would not only provide a suitable environment for the dogs but also encourage personnel to sustain operational excellence.
Daniel Krull, the German consul-general, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign. He said, “Chairman, I would like to congratulate you on the implementation of this important project and the amazing work of your agency under your leadership.”
“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.”
Also speaking, Florian Bulow, deputy head of section 1Z14 BKA in Berlin, described the partnership between NDLEA and Germany as one of the longest-standing initiatives in police capacity development.
Marwa noted that despite the agency’s achievements, continuous innovation and support would remain vital to consolidating progress in the fight against illicit drugs.
