The United Kingdom, in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has provided critical training on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to 75 officers from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The training, held in Maiduguri, concluded on October 4, 2024.
In a statement issued on Monday, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, confirmed the successful completion of the programme. The training aims to equip NPF and NSCDC officers with the necessary skills to educate at-risk communities about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, thereby helping reduce the risk of casualties in conflict-affected areas.
Following the training, the officers will be deployed to high-risk areas to share essential life-saving knowledge with local residents.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, John Sanderson, Human Security Adviser at the British High Commission, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He stated, “This training is critically important. Police and Civil Defence officers can now be deployed to priority areas to raise awareness among communities about the risks posed by explosive ordnance, thus enhancing human security in conflict zones.”
Chief of UNMAS Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane, noted the significance of working alongside Nigerian security forces to extend safety messages to remote and vulnerable communities. “By collaborating with the NPF and NSCDC, we can deliver crucial life-saving information to hard-to-reach areas. This partnership fosters sustainability as these trained officers will remain in these regions, helping protect communities from the dangers posed by explosive remnants,” Faigmane explained.
NSCDC Commandant Abdulkadir Sulu also highlighted the benefits of the programme, stating that the skills acquired during the training would enhance the capacity of NSCDC officers to safeguard communities and ensure the safety of their personnel.
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 expressed gratitude to UNMAS and the UK Government for their support, calling the training initiative a “milestone” in creating a safer environment in northeast Nigeria.
