NIGERIA: NDLEA Commissions German-Donated Sniffer Dog Facility To Boost War On Drugs

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has said that the newly commissioned canine facility donated by the German government will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

Speaking at the commissioning of the modern complex in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, Marwa described the donation as a milestone in NDLEA’s history.

He noted that the facility would provide a dignified working environment for the Canine Unit and motivate personnel to sustain operational excellence.

“May I assure all stakeholders that the provision of this facility will significantly drive our fight against illicit drugs, fulfil our core mandate and secure the future of our nation.

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

He recalled the role of sniffer dogs in landmark operations, including the 2021 seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at Apapa Port, and revealed that the Canine Unit has been instrumental in the interception of over 17.9 metric tonnes of illicit substances since its deployment.

The NDLEA boss commended the German government for its consistent support in areas such as training, logistics, and technical assistance, adding that the new facility, constructed between August 2024 and September 2025, underscores the depth of bilateral cooperation.

German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, praised NDLEA’s successes under Marwa’s leadership, stressing that the agency’s effectiveness benefits not just Nigeria but also the region and Germany.

“The success of NDLEA’s operation is not only helping to keep Nigeria safe but also of great benefit to Germany. I congratulate you for the amazing work of your agency under your leadership,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Florian Bülow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14 BKA in Berlin, likened the long-standing partnership between NDLEA and Germany to a marriage built on love, trust, shared values, and teamwork.

“If you work together as a team and go this long road as a team, you can achieve something. And what we have achieved together is that,” he added.

The commissioning marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign, with NDLEA expressing optimism that the facility will enhance canine-led operations at airports, seaports, land borders, courier centres, and transport hubs nationwide.