UK donates counter-IED equipment to boost fight against insurgency in the North East
By: Zagazola Makama
The United Kingdom has donated advanced counter-improvised explosive device (IED) equipment to the Nigerian Army, marking another milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The equipment was handed over on Friday during a ceremony attended by senior military officials, including Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and representatives of the British Defence Staff West Africa.
Representing the UK’s Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch emphasized the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism.
He said that this highly technical, non-lethal military equipment complements significant training support for countering IEDs and ambushes,” said Col. Lynch.
“Our training team is working alongside the Nigerian Joint Task Force Northeast to enhance critical skills needed to counter violent extremism here.”he said.
He added that the new equipment includes specialized IED detectors and tools designed for identifying and safely neutralizing explosive threats.
Also speaking, the 47 Engineer Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, highlighted the importance of the donation, describing it as “timely,” given recent developments in counter-IED operations in the region.
He noted that the equipment covers the full spectrum of IED countermeasures and will support both operational and training efforts.
“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 neutralizing threats in the field.
“With this new capability, we can analyze and identify areas where IEDs are being manufactured, allowing us to attack these staging areas directly. By intercepting the bomb makers at the source, we aim 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.
He added that some of these tools are designated for the training school, helping to ensure our personnel are well-prepared and our strategy remains effective across all phases of counter-IED operations.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Waidi, Theartre Commander Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, praised the UK’s ongoing support, which includes training for Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators and development of a Counter-IED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade.
Waidi said that the initiatives reflect the UK’s commitment to the complete neutralization of IED threats and support our mission to restore stability in the northeast.
“These initiatives, along with previous assistance, clearly demonstrate their commitment to fully neutralizing IED threats in 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.
He explained that the equipment donated will enhance our troops’ capacity to mitigate IED threats in the theatre of operations.
“I assure you that this equipment will be put to excellent use, meeting both our Counter-IED (CIED) 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 CIED 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, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering strategic support, guidance, and direction to OPHK
