Nigeria trains drug detection dog handlers — Premium Times Nigeria
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held an advanced training course in Lagos for 11 staff members of its canine unit. They were trained to detect concealed drugs with the help of service dogs. According to Premium Times Nigeria, the training was held in cooperation with Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Practical training in Lagos
The course at the NDLEA canine unit was conducted by German service dog specialists Andreas Roscher and Jacqueline Schuler. Practical sessions took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, APM Terminals Apapa, and the NAHCO export warehouse at the airport.
The main group of participants included the commander of the canine unit, two veterinary doctors, and eight dog handlers together with service dogs. Five employees of NDLEA units in Lagos who expressed a desire to join the canine service also took part in the training.
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Need for personnel and infrastructure
Participants were trained in advanced dog obedience and control, drug detection, scent recognition, and search methods. The programme also covered the safety of dog handlers and the use of dogs in high-risk areas.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Buba Marwa said the agency needs additional service dogs, dog handlers, and facilities to house them in order to ensure operations at the country’s international airports, seaports, and land borders. According to him, the agency is working to address the unit’s staffing and logistical challenges. Marwa also supported the recommendation to hold such courses annually.
In August, the NDLEA reported the seizure of more than 3.9 million tramadol and tapentadol tablets, as well as 47,200 Captagon tablets, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The agency estimated the value of these consignments at more than 6.2 billion naira.
