The UK Government on Friday donated advanced counter-Improvised Explosives Devices to Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Command Joint Task Force in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the donation of the equipment marks another milestone in the strategic partnership between the UK and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Counter-IED equipment is created primarily for military and law enforcement.
They are used for standoff detection of explosives and explosive precursor components and defeating Improvised Explosives Devices.
The equipment was handed over to the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, by the representatives of the British Defence Staff West Africa in the presence of very senior officers from the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
The UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch, reiterated the UK government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s military in the fight against terrorism, especially in the Northeast.
Lynch said that the devices being donated were highly technical, non-lethal military equipment meant to complement the efforts of the Nigerian military in countering all forms of IEDs ambushes while in operations.
“Our training team is working alongside the Nigerian Joint Task Force Northeast to enhance critical skills needed to counter violent extremism here,” he said.
The Defence Attaché said that the new equipment includes specialised IED detectors and tools designed for identifying and safely neutralising explosives threats.
Also speaking, the 47 Engineer Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem highlighted the importance of the donation.
He described the donation as “timely,” given recent developments in counter-IEDs operations in the region.
Kazeem said that the equipment covered the full spectrum of IEDs countermeasures and would support both operational and training efforts.
He added, “The donation will not only help defeat IED devices but also support training that aligns with the Nigerian Army’s strategy.
“This equipment arrives at a crucial moment, allowing us to enhance our proactive approach in detecting and neutralising threats in the field.
“With this new capability, we can analyse and identify areas where IEDs are being manufactured, allowing us to attack these staging areas directly by intercepting the bomb makers at the source.
“Our aim is to reduce casualties and prevent IEDs from being deployed against our forces and communities.
“The counter-IED cell, which we recently revived with support from the British Defence Section, will use this equipment to enhance our operational analysis and coordination.”
Kazeem said that some of these tools were designated for the training school, helping to ensure our personnel were well-prepared and our strategy remained effective across all phases of counter-IEDs operations.
In his remarks, Waidi expressed happiness over the UK’s ongoing support, which included training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal operators and the development of a Counter-IEDs Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade.
Waidi said that the initiatives were a clear demonstration of the British government’s commitment to complete neutralisation of IEDS threats and support their mission to restore stability in the northeast.
“These initiatives, along with previous assistance, clearly demonstrate their commitment to fully neutralising IEDs threats to the theatre.
“This support significantly contributes to our mandate in Operation Hadin Kai, as we work toward restoring normalcy in the North East and creating an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive,” he said.
He said that the equipment donated will enhance the troops’ capacity to mitigate IED threats in the theatre of operations.
“I assure you that this equipment will be put to excellent use, meeting both our Counter-IEDs operational and training commitments.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the British Defence Section for their continued support in building the capacity of our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators, as well as their role in establishing the CIED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade through an ongoing mentorship course.
“I also wish to express my gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering strategic support, guidance, and direction to OPHK,” he stated.