NDLEA Sniffer Dog Handlers Get Specialised Training From German Experts

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has organised a specialised refresher training for its canine unit handlers, in collaboration with Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), to strengthen the agency’s capacity to detect and intercept illicit drugs.

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

Eleven personnel of the Canine Unit, including the unit commander, two veterinary doctors and eight dog handlers, participated in the exercise alongside their service dogs.

Five other NDLEA officers from commands in Lagos who have expressed interest in joining the Canine Unit also took part in the training.

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

Participants also undertook practical simulations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall, APM Terminals Apapa and the MMIA NAHCO export shed.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the exercise would further enhance the agency’s ability to detect concealed narcotics and keep pace with increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking methods.

“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.

He added that the agency’s successes in intercepting concealed narcotics at airports, seaports and border points were partly due to the dedication and skills of its dogs and handlers.

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

Marwa also acknowledged manpower and logistical challenges facing the Canine Unit, including the need for additional service dogs, personnel and boarding facilities.

He said plans were underway to address the gaps and expand canine coverage across the country’s seaports, international airports and land borders.

The refresher programme is expected to become an annual exercise following recommendations from the German experts.