The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Friday, commissioned a new modern canine facility built and donated by the German government.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), stated that the facility will significantly enhance the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Speaking during the commissioning in Ikeja, Lagos, Gen. Marwa commended the German government for its long-standing support, which he said has been instrumental to the excellent performance of the NDLEA’s Canine Unit.

He cited the 2021 seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at the Apapa seaport as a prime example of a successful operation aided by sniffer dogs.

“The quality of the infrastructure at the new NDLEA Dog facility is indeed commendable,” Marwa said, noting that the new complex would provide a dignified and comfortable environment for personnel, allowing the agency to more effectively meet its drug interdiction mandates.

The chairman revealed that since their deployment, sniffer dogs have been crucial to the seizure of over 17.932 metric tonnes of various illicit substances.

The German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, remarked that the success of the NDLEA’s operations is not only vital for Nigeria but also for Germany.

He congratulated the agency on its “amazing work” and emphasised that, “trust” is the most important currency in international cooperation.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14 BKA, Berlin, described the support for the NDLEA as one of the most enduring police capacity-building projects undertaken by the BKA.

He highlighted that the long-term collaboration is built on shared goals, values, and teamwork, which have enabled both countries to achieve significant results in the fight against drug smuggling.