Recently, the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has conducted a significant training program for Nigerian security personnel. The training, which focused on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), was provided to 75 officers from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The inaugural training session took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, and concluded on October 4, 2024. This initiative aims to equip the NPF and NSCDC officers with the necessary skills to educate communities at risk about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, thereby reducing the risk of casualties.
Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, highlighted the importance of this training. The trained officers will now be deployed to high-risk locations to spread life-saving knowledge among residents and raise awareness about the risks of explosive ordnance.
John Sanderson, the Human Security Adviser at the British High Commission, emphasized that this training is crucial for enhancing human security in areas affected by conflict. He noted that working with the NPF and NSCDC allows for the delivery of essential safety messages in hard-to-reach areas and builds sustainability as these agencies will continue to work with communities to protect people from explosive threats.
NSCDC Commandant Abdulkadir Sulu praised the training, stating that acquiring EORE will not only enhance the effectiveness of NSCDC personnel in helping affected communities but also significantly contribute to the safety of their personnel and families.
The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Atayero, announced that the newly established Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training school in Maiduguri has officially commenced operations. He thanked the UK Government and UNMAS for their support, describing the project as a “milestone” in creating a safer environment in northeastern Nigeria.
