As part of efforts to curtail the threats of terrorism in Nigeria, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the British High Commission and United States Embassy, organised a one-day Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Symposium, at the Centre in Abuja, on 12 March 2025.

It was attended by over 50 participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government including Security and Defence agencies as well as participants from the partnering UK and US missions in Nigeria.

R-L: CP in charge of EOD, Patrick Atayero, represented by DCP Aniefiok Akpan, National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, Rep of British High R-L: CP in charge of EOD, Patrick Atayero, represented by DCP Aniefiok Akpan, National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, Rep of British High Commission, Brig Tom Harper, USDA, Col Thom Brooks; Director Intelligence, NCTC, Brig Gen Peter Gbor and Ag Director Technical Services, NCTC, at the IED Symposium held at NCTC-ONSA

The National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen AG Laka noted that the symposium aims to facilitate discussions on addressing the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices and developing a National Strategy. General Laka thanked the British High Commission and the United States Embassy for the initiative and several others. These partnerships he said, remain invaluable in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, and the country is not taking them for granted. He stressed further that the support from partners has been instrumental in enhancing the capability of the country’s security forces in tackling evolving threats.

                  A group photograph of officials and at the Symposium

According to him, the use of Improvised Explosive Devices remains one of the gravest threats to security personnel across various theatres of operations. Their impact, he stated, extends beyond the frontlines to civilian populations, critical infrastructure such as power transmission lines, and national stability.

The coordinator added that the symposium was both timely and critical, as it provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to deliberate on innovative strategies to counter this threat.

The NCTC boss expressed appreciation to the Guest Speaker, Mr Paul Amoroso, an esteemed explosive hazard specialist, whose wealth of experience he assured, would be of immense benefit to all. General Laka encouraged all participants to engage actively, share their experiences, and explore actionable solutions that would contribute to strengthening the national security framework.

In his remarks, representative of the British High Commission, Brig Tom Harper noted that it was a privilege to support and co-host the Counter-IED workshop with the US Defence Attache, Colonel Thom Brooks, and the National Coordinator, Major General Laka, to explore how national strategies can support and enable the Counter-IED fight. He said it was excellent to see such a broad range of agencies, which demonstrates the importance of the subject and the willingness to engage in discussions about a multi-agency, whole-of-society approach. He noted that Nigeria is not the only country in the region with these challenges, and the IED attacks are transnational, across borders, and so to address this threat requires collaboration and coordination amongst other nations.

Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and Commissioner of Police in charge of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Chemical, Bilogical and Nuclear Unit, Patrick Adedeji Atayero, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Aniefiok Akpan called on the need to recall the threats posed by improvised explosive devices, IED, to national security, public safety and global stability. He said that IED has become a preferred weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents, bank robberies and other malicious actors, causing devastating harm to innocent civilians, security personnel and both government and private critical infrastructures. He stated further that the symposium was apt and serves as a critical platform and wake-up call for all to share professional knowledge, expertise and best practices in countering the IED threats.