UK Government Donates Advanced Counter-IED Equipment to Nigerian Military
Borno, Nigeria – The UK Government donated advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) equipment to the Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Command Joint Task Force in Maiduguri on Friday. This donation symbolizes another important step in the strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
Designed primarily for military and law enforcement applications, counter-IED equipment is essential for the detection of explosives and their precursor components, as well as for neutralizing such threats.
The handover ceremony took place in Maiduguri, where representatives from the British Defence Staff West Africa presented the equipment to Theatre Commander Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, in the presence of senior officers from the Nigerian Army. UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch, reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s military, particularly in addressing terrorism in the Northeast. He emphasized that the advanced devices donated are high-tech, non-lethal military tools meant to enhance the Nigerian military’s capabilities against IED ambushes during operations.
Lynch noted, “Our training team is collaborating with the Nigerian Joint Task Force Northeast to enhance essential skills required to combat violent extremism in this region.” The new equipment includes specialized IED detectors and tools specifically designed to identify and safely deactivate explosive threats.
Brig.-Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, underscored the significance of the donation, calling it “timely” in light of recent developments in counter-IED operations. He affirmed that the equipment encompasses a wide range of countermeasures and will support both operational needs and training initiatives.
Kazeem explained, “This donation will not only aid in neutralizing IEDs but also enhance training aligned with the Nigerian Army’s strategy.” He further noted, “With this increased capability, we can pinpoint areas where IEDs are manufactured, enabling us to target these production sites directly by apprehending bomb makers at their source. Our goal is to minimize casualties and thwart the deployment of IEDs against our forces and communities.”
The revitalized counter-IED cell, supported by the British Defence Section, will leverage this equipment to improve operational analysis and coordination. Kazeem added that certain tools will be allocated to the training school, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared and that strategies remain effective throughout all phases of counter-IED operations.
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from the UK, Maj.-Gen. Waidi highlighted initiatives that include training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators and the establishment of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade. Waidi affirmed that these efforts exemplify the British government’s commitment to the comprehensive neutralization of IED threats, supporting the mission to restore stability in Northeastern Nigeria.
“These initiatives, along with previous assistance, clearly reflect their dedication to eliminating IED threats in the theatre,” he remarked. “This support greatly contributes to our mandate in Operation Hadin Kai, as we strive to reinstate normalcy in the Northeast and foster an environment conducive to socio-economic growth.”
Waidi assured that the donated equipment would be utilized effectively to address IED threats in operations, thanking the British Defence Section for their steadfast commitment to enhancing the capacity of Nigerian EOD operators and facilitating the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell through ongoing mentorship programs. He also expressed appreciation to Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering strategic support and leadership within Operation Hadin Kai.
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