NDLEA Sniffer Dogs Help Seize 17.932 Metric Tonnes of Drugs — Marwa Affirms!

NDLEA Sniffer Dogs Help Seize 17.932 Metric Tonnes of Drugs — Marwa Affirms!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Abuja / Lagos — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that its canine (sniffer dog) unit has played a key role in the seizure of over 17.932 metric tonnes of illicit drugs since their deployment. The figure was revealed by NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), during the commissioning of a new canine facility in Ikeja, Lagos. [1]

Details & Context

• The announcement came at the launch of a modern canine dog facility, funded with support from the German government, which Marwa says will significantly boost NDLEA’s operational capacity. [1]
• Marwa acknowledged that past infrastructure limitations had constrained the Canine Unit, but the new facility is meant to provide a dignified, efficient environment for training and deployment. [1]
• As an example of successes achieved with canine assistance, he cited the interception of 74.119 kg of captagon at the Apapa seaport in Lagos in 2021. [1]

Broader NDLEA Performance Highlights

• In 2024, NDLEA reported the arrest of 18,500 suspected traffickers and the seizure of 2.6 million kilograms (2,600 metric tonnes) of various illicit drugs nationwide. [2]
• Earlier, Marwa also stated that over the past 38 months, NDLEA had seized more than 7,561 tonnes (7,561,000 kg) of illicit substances, with over 50,901 persons arrested and 9,034 convictions secured. [3] What It Means
• The figure of 17.932 metric tonnes attributed to sniffer dogs underlines the strategic importance of canine detection in narcotics enforcement—especially in ports, airports, land borders, courier centres, and other checkpoints. [1]
• Investing in infrastructure, training and support for the Canine Unit signals a push toward more technology‑driven interdiction methods, closing loopholes that traffickers exploit.
• The collaboration with Germany—providing funding, training, and facility support—highlights the role of international partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs. [1]

Citations:

1. The Will News: thewillnews.com/ndlea-boosts-operations-with-sniffer-dog-facility-to-combat-illicit-drugs-in-nigeria/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Nairametrics: nairametrics.com/2025/01/07/ndlea-arrested-18500-suspected-traffickers-seized-2-6-million-kilograms-of-drugs-in-2024-marwa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/ndlea-nabs-50901-suspects-secures-9034-convictions-in-three-years-marwa-says/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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