NDLEA Commissions German-Built Sniffer Dog Facility to Enhance Anti-Drug Efforts

 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday commissioned a modern canine facility built and funded by the German government, a move expected to significantly bolster Nigeria’s capacity to fight illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The state-of-the-art complex, located in Lagos, was unveiled by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), who praised the German government’s continued support for Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign. “This new facility will provide a comfortable, dignified environment that motivates our Canine Unit personnel to discharge their duties effectively,” Marwa said.

Since their deployment, NDLEA’s sniffer dogs have contributed to the seizure of over 17.9 metric tonnes of illegal drugs, including a notable interception of 74.119 kg of captagon at Apapa Port in 2021. However, Marwa acknowledged that prior limitations related to poor infrastructure had restricted the Unit’s full operational potential.

The construction of the facility began in August 2024 and was completed on schedule through sponsorship from the German Federal Criminal Police via its Liaison Office in Nigeria. German Consul General Daniel Krull emphasized that NDLEA’s success in anti-drug operations benefits not only Nigeria but also Germany and the wider West African region.

Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14 of the German Federal Criminal Police in Berlin, hailed the partnership as one of the longest-running collaborations in police capacity building, characterized by trust and shared goals against drug smuggling.

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The Canine Unit plays a critical role in detecting concealed narcotics at airports, seaports, land borders, and courier centers across Nigeria. The upgraded facility is expected to enhance their capabilities and sustain NDLEA’s record of high-profile arrests and drug seizures.

With the commissioning of this German-built facility, the NDLEA is better equipped to lead Nigeria’s intensified battle against drug trafficking, reinforcing collaborative international partnerships and advancing regional security efforts.