The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has organised a refresher training course for its Canine Unit dog handlers.

The ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠​⁠‌⁠⁠​​‌​training was facilitated by two German technical dog handling experts.

This is contained in a statement by Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Babafemi said that the training was aimed at sharpening the operational skills of handlers and their service dogs in narcotics detection.

He explained that the training, which held at the NDLEA Canine Unit Facility in Lagos, was organised in collaboration with the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA).

He also also said that it was conducted by technical dog handlers Andreas Roscher, and Jacqueline Shüler, who brought international best practices to bear on the training of Nigerian handlers.

According to him, 11 officers of the canine unit, comprising the commander, two veterinary doctors and eight dog handlers alongside their service dogs, participated in the course.

It noted, “It also had five other officers from commands within Lagos who have indicated interest in joining the unit.

“The training covered advanced obedience and control, narcotics detection techniques including scent imprinting and search patterns, real-life simulation exercises at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) baggage hall.”

Mr Babafemi quoted the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), speaking at the training as describing the exercise as another demonstration of the agency’s commitment.

Mr Marwa said that this was in building a highly skilled and professional workforce capable of matching the sophistication of modern drug trafficking networks.

“Our canine teams remain one of the most potent assets in our detection and interdiction efforts, and this is why we will continue to invest in their retraining and welfare.

“The successes we have recorded at our airports, seaports and border points in intercepting concealed narcotics are in no small measure due to the dedication and sharpened instincts of our dogs and their handlers.

“This partnership with our German counterparts further strengthen that capacity and align our operations with global best practices,” he said.

The NDLEA boss added that the agency had taken note of the manpower and logistics challenges facing the canine unit.

According to him, this includes the need for dogs, personnel and boarding facilities to adequately cover the country’s seaports, international airports and land borders.

He said that plans were underway to address the gaps in line with the recommendation that the refresher training be sustained as an annual exercise.

(NAN)