UK, UN Train Nigerian Police, NSCDC Officers to Combat Explosive Threats

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The United Kingdom, in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has provided critical training to 75 officers from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle the growing threat of explosive ordnance in high-risk areas. 

The Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) training, which took place in Maiduguri, concluded on October 4, 2024.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to equip security personnel with essential skills to educate at-risk communities about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, ultimately reducing casualties. The trained officers are now set to be deployed to vulnerable regions to share this life-saving knowledge.

Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, disclosed the details of the training program in a statement released on Monday. She emphasized that the project is geared towards enhancing community safety by addressing the threats posed by remnants of war.

John Sanderson, the Human Security Adviser at the British High Commission, highlighted the importance of the training at the closing ceremony. “This training is critically important. 

Police and Civil Defence officers will now be able to deploy to prioritised locations to raise awareness among community members about the risks of explosive ordnance. This will help to enhance human security in high-risk areas affected by conflict,” Sanderson noted.

Edwin Faigmane, Chief of the UNMAS Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, praised the collaboration with NPF and NSCDC for reaching areas that are often difficult to access. “Working with the NPF and NSCDC enables us to deliver these essential life-saving messages in hard-to-reach areas. 

It also builds sustainability, as the NPF and NSCDC will be present in these areas, working with communities to better protect people from the dangers posed by explosive ordnance,” Faigmane explained.

NSCDC Commandant Abdulkadir Sulu underscored the significance of the training, noting that it would not only enhance the personnel’s ability to keep communities safe but also ensure the safety of officers and their families. “Acquiring EORE will significantly contribute to ensuring the safety of our personnel and their families,” he stated.

In a related development, Commissioner of Police Patrick Atayero announced the official commencement of operations at the newly established Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training school in Maiduguri. Atayero expressed gratitude to UNMAS and the UK Government, describing the project as a “milestone” in creating a safer environment in the northeast region of Nigeria.