IEDs - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Wed, 2024

IEDs poses major threat to counter-insurgency operations – NCTC boss

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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

isaac aregbesola
Oct, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

Nigeria seeks regional action against illicit arms, IED threats

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has advocated stronger regional efforts to counter the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the West Africa sub-region.

This call was made at the opening of the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Director-General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, who is the representative of Nigeria at the meeting made the call.

The theme of the meeting is, “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region”.

Kokumo said that the challenge of small arms proliferation and IEDs threats transcended individual borders and therefore demands a robust and unified response.

He commended the ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security, and reiterated the willingness of the federal government to work with its brothers and sisters in the region.

“This coordination meeting therefore provides a unique platform to further consolidate our strategies, align our goals and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability.

“The threats posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the rising misuse of improvised explosive devices presents us with a unique and urgent call to action.

“Our collective work here reflects a fundamental truth, that is, no one nation can tackle these complex challenges alone.

“Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,” he said.

Kokumo said Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its resolve to continue to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He said that the assent to the NCCSALW Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu had empowered the centre to serve as Nigeria’s primary agency in SALW control in the country.

According to him, this new Act aligns the National Centre with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as well as the UN Programme of Action to combat illicit arms trade.

He said the act had also empowered the centre to develop more robust and sustainable strategies for arms control and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its international and regional obligations.

According to him, NCCSALW has destroyed thousands of illicit arms, spearheaded training programmes for weapons marking and embarked on advocacy and sensitisation efforts.

“These efforts have been strengthened by a rigorous partnership with civil society, security agencies and state governments to enhance arms control and accountability.

“Earlier this month, over 2,400 illegal weapons were destroyed while we have also facilitated enhanced training to better address issues related to improvised explosive devices,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba