IEDs poses major threat to counter-insurgency operations – NCTC boss
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has said that the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists poses a threat to counterterrorism operations.
Laka said this on Tuesday, at a two-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training for various security agencies and services, organised by the NCTC, in Abuja.
He said that IEDs had become a tool of terror used by insurgents, militants, bandits and criminal elements to destabilise communities, destroy infrastructure and inflict fear and suffering on innocent lives.
According to him, the recent blackout in the Northern part of the country was caused by terrorists that destroyed five power transmission lines using improvised explosive devices.
Laka said the training was part of the planning by the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre in preparation for 2024 Crisis Response Exercise, scheduled for Nov. 25 to Nov. 29.
He said the exercise was aimed at empowering security agencies and relevant ministries, departments and agencies on interagency cooperation and coordination using the National Crisis Management Doctrine during national crises.
According to him, the counter IEDs training is to further create a platform for the NCTC to assess the readiness of participants in countering improvised explosive device procedures and operations.
“It is therefore carefully designed to refresh and sustain the capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal and canon operator on the effective operations of the various counter IEDs equipment at their disposal.
“It is also planned to test the participants’ command and control structures and to ensure that decision making processes are clear, swift and efficient,’’ he said.
The NCTC coordinator urged the participants to be open-minded and engage in a way that would allow them to learn from each other’s expertise.
According to him, this approach will lead to a successful exercise, rapid response and thereafter enhance the national security of our dear country in the long term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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