IEDs Remain Major Threat to Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), addressed the persistent threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during a counter-IED baseline assessment workshop in Abuja. He noted that IEDs not only cause tragic loss of life and injuries but also disrupt agricultural and economic activities, restrict humanitarian access, displace communities, undermine investor confidence, and affect stability nationwide.

Laka emphasized the necessity of developing a national counter-IED strategy and recommended collaboration with international partners to strengthen Nigeria's capacity to counter evolving threats from terrorist groups. Mr.

Edwin Faigman from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) discussed the UN's efforts to mitigate these threats, aligning training with international standards. The workshop, co-organized by UNMAS and the British High Commission, aims to enhance Nigeria's response to the persistent threat of IEDs, with programs initiated for 2024 to include operational assessments of Nigerian police and EOD capabilities.