The NDLEA has trained 11 Canine Unit personnel with German experts to improve narcotics detection and strengthen the agency’s ability to intercept concealed drugs.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s
Director, Media and Advocacy, in a statement said the refresher course took place at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos.
The agency organised it with the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) to improve the operational skills of handlers and their service dogs.
German technical dog handlers Andreas Roscher and Jacqueline Shüler led the training. They introduced Nigerian handlers to international best practices in canine operations.
Eleven Canine Unit personnel took part in the course. They included the Unit Commander, two veterinary doctors and eight dog handlers, alongside their service dogs. Five other officers from commands in Lagos also attended after showing interest in joining the Canine Unit.
The course covered advanced obedience and control, narcotics detection, scent imprinting and search patterns. The handlers also took part in real-life simulations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall, APM Terminals Apapa and the MMIA NAHCO export shed.
In addition, the training covered handler safety and tactics for deploying canine assets in high-risk areas. The exercise focused on improving the ability of handlers and dogs to detect concealed narcotics in different environments.
Speaking on the exercise, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the training showed the agency’s commitment to building a skilled and professional workforce.
“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 said.
However, Marwa said the agency’s successes at airports, seaports and border points partly reflected the dedication and improved skills of its dogs and handlers.
He added that the partnership with the German counterparts would further strengthen the agency’s capacity and align its operations with global best practices.
The NDLEA boss said the agency had identified manpower and logistics gaps within the Canine Unit. These include the need for more service dogs, personnel and boarding facilities to cover the country’s seaports, international airports and land borders.
Marwa said plans were underway to address the gaps. He also said the agency would consider a recommendation to make the refresher training an annu
External links
NDLEA official website�
German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)�
