The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has inaugurated a state-of-the-art sniffer dog complex in Lagos, donated by the German government, in a move expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Speaking at the commissioning on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the facility as a game changer for the agency’s operations.
“The quality of the infrastructure at this new dog facility is highly commendable. It reflects the goodwill and commitment of our partners. This will undoubtedly boost the capacity of our Canine Unit to deliver on its mandate,” Marwa said.
According to him, NDLEA’s Canine Unit has been pivotal in several high-profile operations, including the 2021 seizure of over 74kg of captagon at Apapa Port. He noted that sniffer dogs have helped the agency intercept more than 17.9 metric tonnes of narcotics in recent years but stressed that inadequate infrastructure had been a major challenge.
“This newly commissioned facility provides a comfortable and dignified environment for our dogs and their handlers. It will motivate our personnel to remain at the top of their game,” he added.
German Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, who attended the event, underscored the importance of NDLEA’s work, not just for Nigeria but also for global security.
“The outstanding results of this agency are important for Nigeria, for the region, and for Germany. We encourage NDLEA to sustain this remarkable momentum,” Krull said.
Also speaking, Mr. Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14 of the German Federal Criminal Police (BKA), likened the collaboration with NDLEA to a partnership built on trust.
“Like in a marriage, cooperation requires trust. We share the same goals in combating drug trafficking and abuse, and our longstanding teamwork has produced these achievements,” Bulow noted.
The construction of the canine complex, sponsored by the German Federal Criminal Police through its Liaison Office, began in August 2024 and was delivered on schedule.
Under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA has intensified its anti-drug campaign, recording record seizures and dismantling major trafficking networks.
The agency’s Canine Unit continues to serve as a frontline force in detecting concealed narcotics across airports, seaports, and land borders.
