NDLEA trains dog handlers to sniff out drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has trained 11 members of its Canine Unit to detect drugs. This training aims to improve the use of sniffer dogs at Nigeria's entry points.

The training took place at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos. It was done in partnership with Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).

Two German experts, Andreas Roscher and Jacqueline Shüler, led the training. It included practical exercises at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), APM Terminals Apapa, and the MMIA NAHCO export shed.

The NDLEA shared this information in a statement on Saturday from its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

The group included the Canine Unit commander, two veterinary doctors, and eight dog handlers, along with their service dogs. Five other officers from Lagos NDLEA commands who want to join the unit also took part in the training.

Handlers learned advanced obedience, control, and narcotics detection. The training also covered scent imprinting, search patterns, handler safety, and using dogs in risky areas.

NDLEA notes need for more resources

This training comes as the agency realizes it needs more staff and facilities for its Canine Unit.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Buba Marwa, said the agency needs more service dogs, handlers, and boarding facilities. This will help cover international airports, seaports, and land borders better.

“Our canine teams are one of our strongest assets in detecting and stopping drug smuggling. We will keep investing in their training and care,” Mr Marwa, a retired brigadier general, stated.

He pointed out that the dogs and their handlers have helped the agency find hidden drugs at airports, seaports, and borders.

“This partnership with our German colleagues boosts our capability and aligns our work with global standards,” he said.

Mr Marwa mentioned that the agency is working on the staffing and logistical issues facing the unit. He also backed the idea that this training should happen every year.

The NDLEA has been reporting significant drug seizures at entry points in Lagos. In August, the agency said it intercepted over 3.9 million tablets of tramadol and tapentadol, plus 47,200 pills of captagon at MMIA. They valued these at over N6.2 billion.

The agency has reported its canine teams have played a big part in drug detection. In 2025, Mr Marwa mentioned that sniffer dogs helped seize over 17.9 tonnes of illegal drugs since they were deployed.

The latest training fits into the ongoing drug detection operations at airports, seaports, and other entry points. The NDLEA is also working to strengthen its canine unit.