The UK government, in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has delivered Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) training to 75 officers from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria.
This inaugural training, which concluded on October 4, 2024, equipped NPF and NSCDC officers with the skills to teach EORE techniques to members of at-risk communities. The goal is to enable these officers to spread critical knowledge to help reduce the harm caused by explosive ordnance.
At the closing ceremony in Maiduguri, the British High Commission’s human security adviser, John Sanderson highlighted the importance of the training: “This training is critically important. Police and Civil Defence officers will now be able to deploy to prioritised locations to raise awareness among community members about the risks of explosive ordnance. This will help to enhance human security in high-risk areas affected by conflict.”
UNMAS Chief of Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane emphasised the impact of the collaboration with local authorities: “Working with the NPF and NSCDC allows us to deliver these essential life-saving messages in hard-to-reach areas. It also builds sustainability, as the NPF and NSCDC will remain in these areas, collaborating with communities to better protect people from the dangers posed by explosive ordnance.”
The NSCDC Commandant, Abdulkadir Sulu added: “Acquiring EORE not only boosts the effectiveness of NSCDC personnel in helping residents of communities impacted by explosive remnants of war to stay safe, but it also contributes significantly to the safety of our personnel and their families. We are very grateful to UNMAS and the UK government for this vital assistance.”
Commissioner of Police, Patrick Atayero expressed his appreciation, announcing a major milestone for the region: “I am delighted to announce that the Police EOD-CBRN training school in Maiduguri has officially commenced operations. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the United Nations Mine Action Service and the UK government. The Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Trainers’ programme is a significant step forward in enhancing our capacity to raise awareness about the dangers of explosive ordnance, ultimately promoting a safer environment in northeast Nigeria.”
A statement from the British High Commission’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCO) senior communications and public diplomacy officer, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe noted that the closing ceremony was attended by officials from UNMAS, the British High Commission, NPF and NSCDC.
