More than Partners: The Relationship Between EDD and their Handler

EDD Tony enjoying his reward after a successful detection

Senior Dog Handler conducting a training exercise with EDD Flabio

It takes less than 1 minute to thoroughly search a vehicle with an EDD.

Senior EDD handler, Andrew Mironga, signaling that EDD Flabio has an indication.

Senior EDD handler, Andrew Mironga, petting EDD Tony after a training exercise to find explosive samples.

Precious Chigudu, senior EDD handler, playing with EDD Mazli, one of his assigned canines in Mogadishu. Water pools help the canine stay cool during the hot summer days in Somalia.

Precious Chigudu, senior EDD handler, playing with EDD Rebel, one of his assigned canines in Mogadishu. Water pools help the canine stay cool during the hot summer days in Somalia.

EDD Rebel looking fondly at Precious after exercising in the pool.

An EDD team working together, searching incoming traffic to Mogadishu International Airport Camp.

All UNMAS EDDs are provided with a balanced diet that suits their energetic work.

Often dogs are described as man’s best friend, but they are more than that in the context of peace and security operations. They work side by side with the women and men working and providing security in the most difficult of environments and places. Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD), play an important role in preventive security measures by providing explosive detection capability and deterrence.

In Somalia, Explosive Detection Dogs play a key role in mitigation against the threat of explosives. As part of UNMAS support to the African Union Mission in Somalia, UNMAS provides EDD teams to provide security and protection to key facilities in Somalia. These teams provide detection capability at entry control points, key government facilities, airports and security checkpoints. In May 2019, UNMAS EDD teams searched 48,916 vehicles and 30,049 pieces of luggage in the capitol Mogadishu and the Federal Member States.