NDLEA unveils German-built sniffer dog facility

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has lauded the donation of a newly built canine facility by the German government, stating that it will strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

The Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), stated this on Friday at the commissioning of the modern canine complex in Lagos.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the German government’s intervention demonstrates the importance it attaches to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.

Marwa assured stakeholders that the provision of the facility would significantly boost the Agency’s capacity to fulfil its core mandate.

The quality of the infrastructure at the new NDLEA dog facility is commendable. It speaks volumes of the commitment, goodwill and tenacity of our partners,” he said.

He commended the German government for its support over the years, noting that the Canine Unit had played a critical role in several successful operations, including the seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at Apapa Port in 2021.

While acknowledging the progress made, Marwa stressed that more work is required to sustain the current level of operational excellence.

This newly commissioned facility will, without doubt, provide a comfortable and dignified environment that will motivate our Canine Unit personnel to discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

Marwa highlighted that NDLEA’s sniffer dogs have been instrumental in the seizure of more than 17.9 metric tonnes of illicit substances since their deployment, but that poor infrastructure had previously limited the Unit’s capacity

He noted that the construction of the new complex, sponsored by the German Federal Criminal Police through its Liaison Office, commenced in August 2024 and was delivered on schedule.

The NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to German Consul General Daniel Krull, and officials of the German Federal Criminal Police for their role in the project.

In his remarks, Krull said NDLEA’s success benefits not only Nigeria but also Germany and the wider region.

“The amazing work of your Agency under your leadership is important for Nigeria, for the region, and for Germany. I encourage all members of NDLEA to keep up the good spirit,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14, BKA Berlin, described the collaboration with NDLEA as one of the longest-running projects in police capacity building.

Like in a marriage, cooperation needs trust. We share the same goals and values in the fight against drug smuggling and abuse, and our long-standing teamwork has yielded these achievements,” he added.

The NDLEA has intensified its anti-drug campaign under the leadership of Marwa, recording record seizures and high-profile arrests in recent years.

The Canine Unit, established to detect concealed narcotics, has become a critical component of its operations at airports, seaports, and land borders.