Terrorism: IEDs pose more threat to troops – Counter-terrorism boss

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, says the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remains one of the gravest threats to security personnel across theatres of operations.

Laka said this at the Counter Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) Symposium organised by NCTC, in collaboration with the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the impact of IEDs extends beyond the frontlines to civilian population, critical infrastructure such as power transmission lines, and national stability.

“What makes the IEDs threat even more concerning is the ease with which they can be fabricated using commercially available materials, making them a persistent and evolving challenge.

“This symposium is both timely and critical, as it provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to deliberate on innovative strategies to counter this threat.

“Our collective goal is to enhance national capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to IEDs incidents.

“The provision of external expertise in this field would also complement Nigeria’s experience and proficiency in assessing whether a National Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Strategy would be beneficial for implementation in Nigeria.

“We must examine the existing gaps, address the vulnerabilities in our operational environments, and improve coordination among key agencies,” he said.

The coordinator commended the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy for their support in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

He said that NCTC had remained proactive in its approach to tackling the menace of terrorism, adding that the symposium was another step in reinforcing its resolve to combat the threats.

The representative of the British High Commission, Brig. Tom Harper, said that IEDs was a threat that had persisted in the North East, but growing and morphing in both scale, and complexity in other areas.

Harper said that it had impact on soldiers, other agencies and innocent civilians, adding that they recognised the challenge, along with other willing partners, including the U.S. and Germany.

He said that the IED attacks were trans-national, cross borders, adding that addressing the threat required collaboration and coordination among nations.

“However, we are all struggling to focus our efforts without a clear understanding of the Nigerian system and precisely where to offer support and expertise.

“Without doubt, Nigeria has made significant gains, but without a national framework for CIED the challenge is likely to persist,” he said.

Patrick Atayero, Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), Nigeria Police Force, said IEDs had become a preferred weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents and other malicious actors.

Atayero said that IEDs had also caused devastating harm to innocent civilians, security personnel, as well as government and private critical infrastructure.

He said the symposium would serve as a critical platform and a wakeup call for them to share professional knowledge, expertise and best practices in countering the IED threat. 

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