Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency trained to

UNCLAS ABUJA 001037 SIPDIS STATE FOR INL/AAE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR KCRM NI SUBJECT: Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency trained to Use INL-donated Itemizers ¶1. (U) INL Abuja reports the successful completion of training for 48 officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the operation of 4 integrated drug and explosive detection itemizers donated for use at the international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. The itemizer training was conducted May 18-19 in Abuja and May 20-22 in Lagos by an itemizer expert from General Electric with a focus on Machine Operation, Machine Maintenance and Administrative Oversight. These itemizers will complement already successful body scanning machines which have disrupted the activities of drug traffickers at these locations. ¶2. (U)Although not based on the "train the trainer" concept, the training was directed at a large number of officials to help the NDLEA to fill gaps when officers are transferred to other duty posts as is often the case. In addition, enhanced instruction was directed at one officer at each location who demonstrated the requisite aptitude and will serve as the resident expert and point of contact for maintenance and End Use Monitor reporting. ¶3. (U) NDLEA reports to Post that the training they received will greatly enhance their capability to interdict drugs and explosive materials at the international airports. NDLEA also reports that the new General Electric manufactured Itemizer 3 (IT3) machines are much more user friendly than their predecessors and that it is grateful to USG for the donation of the equipment and training of its officers who were drawn from the four NDLEA Airport Commands. SANDERS