The United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has provided specialized training to 75 officers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The training, known as Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), took place in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The British High Commission, in a statement released by its senior communications officer, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, confirmed the conclusion of the training on October 4. The EORE programme was developed to equip NPF and NSCDC officers with skills to educate at-risk communities on explosive ordnance, helping reduce the risks posed by unexploded explosives in conflict-affected regions.
At the closing ceremony, John Sanderson, the British High Commission’s Human Security Adviser, emphasized the significance of the training. He explained that the officers would now be able to deploy to high-risk areas and raise public awareness about the dangers of explosive ordnance, which would ultimately enhance human security in conflict zones.
“These trained officers will be able to deploy to prioritised locations and educate community members on the risks posed by explosive ordnance. This will improve overall human security in areas affected by conflict,” Sanderson noted.
Similarly, Edwin Faigmane, Chief of the UNMAS Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, praised the collaboration with NPF and NSCDC, noting that it enabled them to reach hard-to-access communities. Faigmane highlighted that the training would have long-term benefits as the NPF and NSCDC continue to work in these areas, helping protect local populations from explosive threats.
“This partnership fosters sustainability, as the NPF and NSCDC are now better equipped to work within communities and mitigate the risks posed by explosive remnants of war,” Faigmane added.
NSCDC Commandant Abdulkadir Sulu also remarked on the importance of the training, stating that the skills acquired would not only improve the safety of affected communities but also ensure the safety of NSCDC personnel and their families.
Commissioner of Police, Patrick Atayero, who heads the Explosive Ordinance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, announced the official commencement of operations at the police’s EOD-CBRN training school in Maiduguri. He noted that the EORE training marked a significant milestone in enhancing the police’s ability to raise awareness about the dangers of explosive ordnance in the North-East, a region heavily impacted by conflict.
“This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to promote a safer environment and reduce the risks posed by explosive ordnance in the region,” Atayero said.
The UK’s support in providing this critical training underscores its commitment to enhancing security in Nigeria’s conflict-affected areas, while the UNMAS partnership ensures that these efforts are sustainable and effective in protecting communities at risk.
