Army inaugurates dog centre to curb insecurity

Nigerian Army has inaugurated the first dog centre in West Africa. The centre, situated in Lagos, currently houses 38 dogs of different species and the animals are to assist in counter-terrorism measures. According to military authorities, the centre is expected to assist the army in conducting searches since the animals have been trained for detection of packages like the Improvised Explosive Device and narcotics, search and rescue and for patrol. The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, who was the special guest of honour at the inauguration on Friday, said the centre was aimed at combating the security challenges in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan . The CDS said, “Explosives can be packaged like any other luggage and you and I might not know because our senses are not well developed like dogs. But when we introduce dogs to the equation, we will be able to detect such packages even when they are hidden”, he said. He also reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to stamp out terrorism He said, “We must defeat terrorism and ensure that the peace that holds Nigeria together does not disintegrate. We can no longer rest on our oars. Therefore, our security agents must remain very active and efficient so that the few people who may decide to veer into crime will be nabbed.” Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said the establishment of the centre was in phases with the first phase already concluded.