By Charles Ogba, Abuja
The Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), says a newly built canine complex donated by the German government will significantly strengthen the country’s battle against illicit drugs.
Speaking in Lagos at the commissioning of the facility, Marwa hailed the project as “a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics.”
He said, “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 modern canine unit will provide advanced infrastructure for sniffer dogs that play a critical role in drug interdiction at Nigeria’s airports, seaports, borders, and transport hubs.
According to Marwa, the NDLEA’s canine operations have already led to seizures of more than 17.9 metric tonnes of narcotics, including a landmark interception of 74.1kg of captagon at Lagos’ Apapa seaport in 2021.
German officials described the cooperation as vital not only for Nigeria’s security, but also for global stability.
Germany’s Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krul, praised the NDLEA’s efforts, saying, “The success of your agency is important not only for Nigeria, but for the region — and for Germany too. It helps keep our societies safe.”
He emphasised that trust remained the most valuable currency in the partnership.
Florian Bülow of Germany’s Federal Criminal Police (BKA) echoed the sentiment, likening the long-standing cooperation to a marriage built on “love, trust, shared goals and teamwork.”
The NDLEA chief concluded by stressing that while the canine unit had already achieved remarkable results, the new facility would “provide a dignified environment that motivates our personnel to sustain excellence.”