UK, UN train police, NSCDC officers to tackle explosive threats

The United Kingdom Government, in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has conducted Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) training for 75 officers from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This initial training session took place in Maiduguri and wrapped up on October 4, 2024.

Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, shared this information in a statement on Monday. The initiative aims to equip NPF and NSCDC officers with skills to educate communities at risk about the hazards posed by unexploded ordnance, ultimately reducing potential casualties.

The trained officers will be deployed to vulnerable regions to impart crucial safety knowledge to local residents. During the closing ceremony, John Sanderson, Human Security Adviser at the British High Commission, emphasized the importance of this training. “This training is vital. Police and Civil Defence officers will now be able to visit prioritized areas to inform community members about the risks associated with explosive ordnance, thereby enhancing human security in conflict-affected regions,” he stated.

Edwin Faigmane, Chief of the UNMAS Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, remarked that collaborating with the NPF and NSCDC allows for the dissemination of essential safety information in hard-to-reach locations. “By working alongside the NPF and NSCDC, we can relay these crucial life-saving messages in difficult areas while also ensuring sustainability, as these organizations will be actively engaged with communities to better protect them from explosive hazards,” Faigmane noted.

NSCDC Commandant Abdulkadir Sulu highlighted the advantages of the training, saying, “Learning EORE will not only improve the effectiveness of NSCDC personnel in assisting communities affected by explosive remnants of war to remain safe, but it will also significantly enhance the safety of our personnel and their families.”

Additionally, Commissioner of Police Patrick Atayero announced the official opening of the new Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training school in Maiduguri. He expressed his appreciation to UNMAS and the UK Government for their support, calling the initiative a “milestone” in fostering a safer environment in northeastern Nigeria.