March 12, (THEWILL) – Security experts, government officials, and international partners have called for the urgent development of a national Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices strategy to address the growing threat posed by IEDs to security personnel, civilians, and critical infrastructure in Nigeria.
This resolution was reached at a symposium organized by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the British High Commission and the United States Embassy.
The event underscored Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
Speaking at the symposium, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj-Gen Adamu Garba Laka, emphasized the urgent need for a national strategy to address the rising threat of IEDs. He highlighted their devastating impact on national security and infrastructure.
Laka commended Nigeria’s international partners, particularly the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy, for their support in strengthening the country’s security forces.
Brigadier Tom Harper, representing the British High Commission, warned that without a structured framework, Nigeria’s counter-IED efforts could face significant setbacks. He noted the increasing sophistication of IED attacks, including the use of drones in terror operations.
“The IED threat is transnational, crossing borders. Addressing it requires collaboration and coordination among nations,” Harper stated.
U.S. Defense Attaché Colonel Tom Brooks echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a coordinated national approach.
“The evolving nature of IEDs means that no single agency or country can combat this alone. It requires a joint effort,” Brooks said, urging deeper intelligence sharing and capacity-building initiatives between Nigeria and its allies.
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