UK Donates Advanced Counter-IED Equipment to Boost Nigerian Military’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts

The United Kingdom has bolstered Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities with the donation of advanced counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) equipment to the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

During the handover ceremony, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, OPHK Theatre Commander, received the equipment from representatives of the British Defence Staff West Africa. The new technology, provided by the UK Government, marks a strengthening of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership in countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Northeast.

The UK Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Matt Lynch, highlighted the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s military in tackling IED threats. Lynch noted that the donated devices are specialized, non-lethal tools designed to detect and safely neutralize explosive devices in high-risk areas, ultimately enhancing troop safety during operations.

“Our training team collaborates closely with Nigeria’s Joint Task Force in the Northeast to build essential skills for countering violent extremism,” Lynch stated.

The 47 Engineer Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrazak Kazeem, acknowledged the donation’s timeliness, emphasizing its alignment with Nigeria’s evolving counter-IED strategy. “This equipment spans the full range of IED countermeasures, supporting both operational and training goals,” he said. “With these capabilities, we can preemptively detect and dismantle IED manufacturing sites, intercepting bomb makers at the source to reduce threats against our forces and civilians.”

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu expressed gratitude for the UK’s sustained support, which has included training Nigerian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators and establishing a Counter-IED Coordination Cell within the 47 Engineer Brigade. “This support is vital to restoring stability and promoting socio-economic activity in the Northeast,” he remarked, adding that the donated equipment will be put to effective use in counter-IED operations and personnel training.

The UK’s donation is set to enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities significantly, as both countries continue to strengthen their joint efforts against insurgency in the region.