The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), General Adamu Laka has lamenteted the incessant use of Improvised bombs bt terrorists, saying that Explosive Devices remains one of the gravest threats to security personnel across various theatres of operations.
Laka made the disclosure today at the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Symposium held at Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
The event was organized in collaboration with the British High Commission and the United States Embassy.
The symposium aims to facilitate discussions on addressing the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices and developing a National Strategy.
The partnerships has been commended for remaining invaluable in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The support from the partners is also said to be instrumental in enhancing the capability of security forces in tackling evolving threats.
According to Laka, “As we may all be aware, the use of Improvised Explosive Devices remains one of the gravest threats to our security personnel across various theatres of operations. Their impact extends beyond the frontlines to civilian populations, critical infrastructure such as power transmission lines, and national stability.
“What makes the Improvised Explosive Devices 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 Improvised Explosive Devices 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.
“Let me state here that the National Counter Terrorism Centre has remained proactive in its approach to tackling this menace. In line with our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s Counter Improvised Explosive Devices efforts, the Centre successfully conducted training for first-responding agencies in November 2024.
“This was aimed at equipping personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to mitigate the risks posed by Counter Improvised Explosive Devices effectively. Today’s symposium is another step in that direction, reinforcing our resolve to combat this threat through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and capacity-building.
“I am particularly pleased to mention that this gathering includes participants carefully selected from key agencies and stakeholders. This broad representation ensures that our discussions will be comprehensive and solution-oriented, while promoting inter-agency synergy and cooperation.
“At this juncture, I would like to extend my special appreciation to our Guest Speaker, Mr Paul Amoroso, an esteemed explosive hazard specialist, whose wealth of experience will be of immense benefit to us. His expertise will no doubt enrich our understanding of the complexities surrounding the Improvised Explosive Devices threat and the best practices for countering it.”
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police in charge of police anti-bomb squad, CP Patrick Atayero, said IEDs have become a preferred weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents, bank robbers and other malicious actors, causing devastating harm to innocent civilians, security personnel, and both government and private critical infrastructure.
“This symposium is apt at this time, serves as a critical platform and a wakeup call for us to share professional knowledge, expertise and best practices in countering the IED threat.
“It’s my firm believed that, the discussions and presentations today will provide us with valuable and in-depth insights and updates on the latest tactics and strategies for detecting, disrupting, and defeating IEDs threat. To effectively counter this threat, it is imperative that we work together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources as a Nation.
“I would like to emphasize the paramount importance of collaboration, cooperation and information sharing in our collective efforts to counter this threat. The current threat landscape is complex, dynamic and evolving. IEDs are being employed by terrorist organizations and other malicious actors to inflict harm both to individual lives and properties.”