The UK Government has provided advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) equipment to Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai Theatre (OPHK) Command Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, strengthening efforts to combat terrorism in the Northeast.
The handover ceremony, which was attended by senior officers from the Nigerian Army, underscores the enduring partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
Colonel Matt Lynch, the UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s military, particularly in the fight against violent extremism. He described the donated equipment as a sophisticated collection of non-lethal tools designed to counter IED ambushes. “Our training team is collaborating with the Nigerian Joint Task Force Northeast to enhance the critical skills necessary for countering violent extremism in this region,” Lynch stated.
The equipment includes specialized IED detectors and tools aimed at identifying and safely neutralizing explosive threats.
Brigadier General Abdulrazak Kazeem, Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, deemed the donation “timely,” especially in light of recent advancements in counter-IED operations. He remarked, “This equipment arrives at a crucial moment, enabling us to strengthen our proactive approach in detecting and neutralizing threats in the field.”
Kazeem emphasized that the tools would assist in identifying IED manufacturing sites and apprehending bomb makers, which are central to the Nigerian Army’s strategy.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support, highlighting initiatives that include training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and the establishment of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell within the 47 Engineer Brigade.
