UK-Nigeria Security Partnership: Counter-Explosive Gear Delivered

Nigerian Army Strengthens Counter-Explosives Unit with UK Aid

“Our aim is to reduce casualties and prevent IEDs from being deployed against our force...”

Boosting Counter-Terrorism Efforts: UK Donates Advanced IED Detection Equipment to Nigerian Army

The Operation Hadin Kai theatre command of the Joint Task Force in Borno, Nigeria, just received a major boost in its fight against terrorism. On October 25, they got advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (Counter-IED) equipment from the UK government. This donation marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria, showing their commitment to combating terrorism together.

The Counter-IED equipment is designed for military and law enforcement use, and it's incredibly versatile. It can remotely detect explosives and their precursor components, and even neutralize improvised explosive devices. This technology will be a game-changer for the Nigerian Army, helping them to better protect themselves and civilians from the threat of IEDs.

Nigerian Army has been upgrading its equipment and training in recent times. Just last year, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja, announced the acquisition of modern equipment to enhance theatre operations across the country. The Army has also received training from international partners, including India, to improve its counter-terrorism capabilities. With this new Counter-IED equipment from the UK, the Nigerian Army is better equipped than ever to tackle the threats it faces.

Theatre Commander Major General Waidi Shuaibu recently received cutting-edge equipment from representatives of the British Defence Staff West Africa (BDSWA) in Maiduguri, Nigeria. This presentation was made in the presence of senior Nigerian army officers, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the two nations.

According to UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Matt Lynch, the British government is committed to supporting Nigeria's military in its fight against terrorism, particularly in the Northeast region. This donation is part of that commitment, aimed at enhancing the Nigerian military's capabilities in countering Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambushes during operations.

The donated devices are advanced, non-lethal military tools designed to protect Nigerian troops from IED threats. This support demonstrates the British government's dedication to helping Nigeria address its security challenges. By providing these specialized tools, the UK is helping to promote stability and security in the region.

This partnership is not new; the UK and Nigeria have a long-standing defence partnership, as evident from the second UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 7 to 8 February 2024. The dialogue highlighted areas of cooperation, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, maritime security, and human rights.

Kazeem said, “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.”

Adding that, “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.”

The Nigerian Joint Task Force (JTF) just got a major boost in its fight against terrorism in the Northeast. The UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Matt Lynch, revealed that the British government is committed to supporting Nigeria's military in combating terrorism, particularly in the Northeast region.

“Our training team is working alongside the Nigerian Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Northeast to enhance critical skills needed to counter violent extremism here,” Colonel Lynch stated. This collaboration aims to strengthen the JTF's capabilities in tackling the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The UK's donation includes specialized IED detectors and tools designed to identify and safely neutralize explosive threats. Brigadier General Abdulrazak Kazeem, commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, welcomed the donation, calling it “timely” given recent advancements in counter-IED operations in the area.

According to General Kazeem, the equipment provides a comprehensive range of countermeasures for IEDs, which will not only enhance operational capabilities but also training efforts. This support demonstrates the British government's dedication to helping Nigeria address its security challenges and promote stability in the region.

“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.

The donated equipment is expected to significantly enhance the troops' capabilities in tackling improvised explosive device (IED) threats within the operational area. This boost in capacity will allow them to more effectively detect, neutralize, and counter IED ambushes, ultimately improving the safety of both the troops and civilians. By strengthening their counter-IED operations, the troops will be better equipped to handle the complex security environment and address the evolving threats posed by extremist groups. This is particularly crucial in regions where IEDs have been a major concern, such as in the Northeast where Boko Haram has been active.

“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 Counter-IED 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, General Christopher Musa and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering strategic support, guidance, and direction to OPHK,” he stated.

Major General Waidi Shuaibu has praised the UK's ongoing support for Nigeria's fight against terrorism, highlighting the valuable training provided to Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators and the establishment of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade. These initiatives demonstrate the British government's commitment to combating Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats and promoting stability in the northeast region.

The UK's assistance has been crucial in enhancing Nigeria's counter-terrorism capabilities. By training EOD operators, the UK is helping Nigeria develop expertise in detecting and neutralizing explosive devices. The Counter-IED Coordination Cell will facilitate effective coordination and information sharing among Nigerian security agencies, further bolstering their efforts to combat IED threats.

General Waidi's positive remarks underscore the significance of international cooperation in addressing the threat of terrorism. The partnership between Nigeria and the UK serves as a model for collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and promote regional stability.