The national coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka said the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists remains one of the gravest threats to security personnel across theatres of operations.
Laka stated this at the Counter Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) Symposium, which NCTC, in collaboration with the British High Commission and the United States Embassy, organised on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the impact of IEDs extends beyond the frontlines to civilian populations, critical infrastructure such as power transmission lines, and national stability.
“What makes the IEDs threat even more concerning is the ease with which they can be fabricated using commercially available materials, making them a persistent and evolving challenge.
“This symposium is timely and critical, providing a platform for experts and stakeholders to deliberate on innovative strategies to counter this threat.
“Our collective goal is to enhance national capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to IED incidents.
“The provision of external expertise in this field would also complement Nigeria’s experience and proficiency in assessing whether a National Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Strategy would benefit Nigeria’s implementation.
“We must examine the existing gaps, address the vulnerabilities in our operational environments, and improve coordination among key agencies,” he said.
The coordinator commended the British High Commission and the United States Embassy for their support in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
He said that NCTC had remained proactive in its approach to tackling the menace of terrorism, adding that the symposium was another step in reinforcing its resolve to combat the threats.
The representative of the British High Commission, Brig. Tom Harper said that IEDs were a threat that had persisted in the North East but growing and morphing in both scale and complexity in other areas.
Harper said that it had an impact on soldiers, other agencies and innocent civilians, adding that they recognised the challenge, along with other willing partners, including the US and Germany.
He said that the IED attacks were transnational and cross borders, adding that addressing the threat required collaboration and coordination among nations.
“However, we are all struggling to focus our efforts without clearly understanding the Nigerian system and where to offer support and expertise.
“Without doubt, Nigeria has made significant gains, but without a national framework for CIED, the challenge is likely to persist,” he said.
The commissioner of police, Explosive Ordinance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), Nigeria Police Force, Patrick Atayero, said IEDs had become a preferred weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents and other malicious actors.
Atayero said that IEDs had also caused devastating harm to innocent civilians, security personnel, as well as government and private critical infrastructure.
He said the symposium would serve as a critical platform and a wakeup call for them to share professional knowledge, expertise and best practices in countering the IED threat.
