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By Ahmed Liman Kingimi
The British military supplies counter-IED equipment and other resources to Nigerian forces for their counterterrorism efforts in the Northeast of Nigeria operation.
The UK has donated highly technical, non-lethal military equipment worth almost one billion Naira (£450,000) to the Nigerian Armed Forces, to further enhancing the ongoing partnership between the British Military and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The donation supports Nigeria’s fight against violent extremist organisations in the North East of Nigeria.
The donation of equipment complements a new and significant package of improvised explosive device equipment and courses delivered by UK Defence. A team of 20 personnel from the British Army that were currently living and working in Maiduguri delivered a course focused on enhancing the critical skills needed for continued operations against violent extremist organizations in the Northeast.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Head of British Defence Staff (West Africa) & Commander British Military Training Teams in Nigeria, Colonel Martin Leach said
“I am delighted to be here today to hand over this equipment and mark another development in the strong partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, The UK stands with Nigeria in the continued fight against violent extremist organisations in the North East.”
He added that “Seven further courses will be delivered between now and February 2025, focussing on training Nigerian Army personnel in the specialist skills required for future operations in the North East of Nigeria”.
He further explained that “the UK currently has personnel attached temporarily to the Theatre Counter-IED Coordination Cell in Maidugun, working with their Nigerian counterparts to develop intelligence on the terror networks that are killing civilians and soldiers with IEDs.
The equipment was received by the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE) Theatre Commander, Major General Wahidi Shaibu, at a handover ceremony in Maiduguri.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Waidi, Theartre Commander Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, praised the UK’s ongoing support, which includes training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators and development of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade.
Waidi said that the initiatives reflect the UK’s commitment to the complete neutralization of IED threats and support the military mission to restore stability in the northeast.
“These initiatives, along with previous assistance, clearly demonstrate their commitment to fully neutralizing IED threats in 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 explained that the equipment donated will enhance our 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-IED (CIED) 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
Also speaking, the 47 Engineer Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, highlighted the importance of the donation, describing it as “timely,” given recent developments in counter-IED operations in the region.
He noted that the equipment covers the full spectrum of IED countermeasures and will support both operational and training efforts.
“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 neutralizing threats in the field.
“With this new capability, we can analyze and identify areas where IEDs are being manufactured, allowing us to attack these staging areas directly. By intercepting the bomb makers at the source, we aim 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.
He added that some of these tools are designated for the training school, helping to ensure our personnel are well-prepared and our strategy remains effective across all phases of counter-IED operations.
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