UN Considers Counter-IED Unit to Combat Terrorism in Nigeria

The United Nations is contemplating the establishment of a specialized counter-improvised explosive device (IED) unit in Nigeria as part of efforts to address the increasing threat posed by explosive terrorism. This disclosure was made during a counter-terrorism workshop in Abuja, organized by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service and the British High Commission.

Edwin Faigman, Chief of the Mine Action Programme at the UN, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria's national capacity to mitigate IED threats to civilian security and critical infrastructure. The program, which began in 2024, will involve training Nigerian police forces and equipping them with specialized skills in explosive hazard awareness and search operations.

The training period is set for eight months, with 15 qualified IED disposal officers and 25 search-qualified officers expected. The UN emphasizes the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to effectively counter the evolving methods of insurgents deploying IEDs, particularly in the northeast and northwest regions of Nigeria.