The fight against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria has received a significant boost as the Government of Germany donated a newly built modern canine facility to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The state-of-the-art dog complex was inaugurated on Friday by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), who described the facility as a milestone in the agency’s anti-narcotics operations.
Marwa commended the German government for its sustained support, which he said has enhanced the agency’s operational capacity. He recalled the 2021 seizure of 74.119 kilogrammes of captagon at Apapa seaport in Lagos as one of several successful operations made possible through sniffer dog interventions.
“The provision of this facility will significantly strengthen our fight against illicit drugs, fulfil our core mandate, and secure the future of our nation,” Marwa said, noting that NDLEA’s canine unit has aided the seizure of more than 17.9 metric tonnes of illicit substances over the years.
He added that the new facility would not only provide a conducive environment for canine personnel but also ensure sustained operational excellence.
German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, who handed over the facility, praised the NDLEA for its achievements under Marwa’s leadership, stressing that the agency’s successes were beneficial not just to Nigeria but also to Germany and the wider region.
“The trust between NDLEA and its German partners is the most important currency in this cooperation, and we are confident that it will continue to grow,” Krull said.
Also speaking, Mr. Florian Bulow of the German Federal Criminal Police (BKA) emphasized the long-standing partnership between both countries, describing it as “a cooperation built on trust, shared values, and teamwork in the global fight against drug trafficking.”
Construction of the canine facility, which commenced in August 2024, was completed on schedule and formally handed over to NDLEA at the commissioning ceremony.
