In an unwavering campaign to dismantle illicit drug import and export networks across Nigeria’s borders, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has concluded a specialized refresher training course for its Canine Unit.
Facilitated by two premier German technical dog-handling experts, the intensive program was designed to sharpen the operational instincts and narcotics-detection capabilities of both handlers and their service dogs.
According to an official statement released on Saturday, September 19, by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the training took place at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos. Organized in strategic collaboration with the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the course was spearheaded by veteran technical handlers Mr. Andreas Roscher and Ms. Jacqueline Shüler, who integrated global best practices into the Nigerian operatives’ routines.
The training cohort featured 11 core personnel from the Canine Unit—including the Unit Commander, two veterinary doctors, and eight elite dog handlers working alongside their service dogs. Joining them were five aspiring officers from various Lagos commands eager to transition into the specialized unit.
Meanwhile, the rigorous curriculum integrated advanced obedience and tactical control alongside sophisticated narcotics detection techniques like scent imprinting and intricate search patterns. Putting theory into action, the teams underwent high-intensity, real-life simulation exercises across major transit hubs, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall, APM Terminals Apapa, and the MMIA NAHCO export shed. Operatives were also trained in handler safety and tactical deployment when navigating high-risk operational zones.
Reacting to the successful exercise, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the initiative as a testament to the agency’s resolve to build a highly skilled workforce capable of outpacing the fluid sophistication of modern drug cartels.
“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,” Marwa stated.
Acknowledging internal growth demands, the NDLEA boss noted that leadership has formally mapped out the manpower and logistics challenges currently facing the Canine Unit. To ensure comprehensive coverage of the nation’s sprawling seaports, international airports, and land borders, Marwa confirmed that definitive plans are underway to acquire more service dogs, onboard extra personnel, and upgrade boarding facilities. Additionally, the agency has adopted recommendations to institutionalize this high-level refresher training as an annual exercise.
