The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on Tuesday said the Nigeria Police Force would involve the use of trained sniffer dogs in its fight against crimes.

Idris said this during the passing out ceremony of 19 Nigeria Air Force personnel from the Police Dog Breeding Training Centre, Dei-Dei, Abuja.

The IGP also said the trained dogs will be deployed to areas where security agencies are battling with cattle rustling.

The IG was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General, Operations, Joshak Habila.

He said, “The IG has approved the deployment of K9 (police animal department) section to flash points across the country to stop cattle rustling and check illegal arms and drugs trafficking.

“The training of the Air Force personnel is part of the collaborations between the police and other security agencies and other security services are free to use the K9 facility for training.”

While speaking, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Animal Branch, Charles Ugomuoh said  four officers and 15 other ranks were tutored  for three months on the patrol dog handlers course as a background for the establishment of the NAF K9 unit.

Ugomuoh said, “With the acquisition of three air-conditioned dog trailers, the K9 operations would now be extended to remote areas and other flash points in the country to fight crime and criminality and to facilitate the police zero tolerance for cattle rustling.”

Azeez