UK Provides Counter-IED Equipment to Nigerian Military

UK Provides Counter-IED Equipment to Nigerian Military

The UK government has donated advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to the Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Command Joint Task Force in Maiduguri. This donation highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Counter-IED equipment is primarily designed for military and law enforcement purposes, enabling the detection and neutralization of explosive threats.

The equipment was officially handed over to Theatre Commander Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu by representatives from the British Defence Staff West Africa, with senior Nigerian Army officers present.

UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to assisting Nigeria’s military in combating terrorism, particularly in the Northeast. He emphasized that the donated devices are advanced, non-lethal military tools aimed at enhancing the Nigerian military’s capabilities in countering IED-related ambushes.

Lynch mentioned that the equipment includes specialized IED detectors and tools for identifying and safely dealing with explosive threats. Brig.-Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, acknowledged the timely nature of the donation, noting its significance for both operational and training initiatives.

He stated, “This donation will aid not only in defeating IED devices but also in supporting our training aligned with the Nigerian Army’s strategy. With this new capability, we can identify manufacturing sites for IEDs, enabling us to intercept bomb makers at the source.”

Kazeem highlighted that the newly revived counter-IED cell, supported by the British Defence Section, would utilize this equipment to enhance operational analysis and coordination. Some tools are designated for training, ensuring personnel are well-prepared for counter-IED operations.

Maj.-Gen. Waidi expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, which includes training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal operators and the establishment of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade. He emphasized the importance of this support in the mission to stabilize the Northeast.

He assured that the equipment would be effectively utilized to bolster the troops’ capabilities against IED threats and thanked the British Defence Section for their ongoing assistance and mentorship.