In a move to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, the United Kingdom has donated advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) equipment to Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force in Maiduguri.
The equipment was handed over by representatives of the British Defence Staff in West Africa to Theatre Commander Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, with senior Nigerian Army officers in attendance.
UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch, emphasized the focus on building Nigeria’s capacity in combating terrorism, particularly in the conflict-affected Northeast.
“Our training team is working alongside the Nigerian Joint Task Force Northeast to develop skills needed to counter violent extremism here,” Lynch noted, describing the equipment as “highly technical, non-lethal” tools essential for detecting and disabling IEDs.
Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, noted the impact of the donation, stating, “The donation will help defeat IED devices and support training that aligns with the Nigerian Army’s strategy.
This equipment arrives at a crucial moment, allowing us to enhance our approach in detecting and neutralizing threats in the field. Our aim is to reduce casualties and prevent IEDs from being deployed against our forces and communities.”
Kazeem further noted that the counter-IED cell, recently revived with the support of the British Defence Section, will use this equipment to improve operational analysis and coordination.
“The specialized IED detectors and tools will aid us in field missions and serve as resources at the 47 Engineer Brigade’s training school,” he added.
Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander, expressed appreciation for the UK’s support and recognized the role of training and advanced equipment in strengthening Nigerian forces’ counter-IED capabilities.
“These initiatives contribute to our mandate in Operation Hadin Kai as we work toward restoring normalcy in the North East,” Shuaibu remarked.
Shuaibu also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their guidance, which supports the mission to bring stability to the region.
“This equipment will be put to use in meeting both our Counter-IEDs operational and training commitments. I want to thank the British Defence Section for their mentorship course, which has been instrumental in establishing the CIED Coordination Cell at the 47 Engineer Brigade,” he stated.
