Abuja: Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has highlighted the significant threat that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) pose to counterterrorism operations. Laka made these remarks during a two-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training event, which was organized by the NCTC in Abuja for various security agencies and services.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Laka stated that IEDs have become a tool of choice for insurgents, militants, bandits, and other criminal groups aiming to destabilize communities, destroy infrastructure, and instill fear among innocent civilians. He cited the recent blackout in the Northern region of the country as a direct consequence of terrorist activities, pointing out that five power transmission lines were destroyed by IEDs.
Laka explained that the training is part of the preparations by the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre for the 2024 Crisis Response Exercise, scheduled fr
om November 25 to November 29. The goal of the exercise is to empower security agencies and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies by enhancing interagency cooperation and coordination through the National Crisis Management Doctrine during national crises.
The counter IEDs training aims to provide a platform for the NCTC to evaluate the readiness of participants in handling improvised explosive device procedures and operations. “It is therefore carefully designed to refresh and sustain the capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal and canon operators on the effective operations of the various counter IEDs equipment at their disposal,” Laka noted. Additionally, the training will test the participants’ command and control structures to ensure decision-making processes are clear, swift, and efficient.
Laka encouraged participants to adopt an open-minded approach and engage in ways that promote learning from each other’s expertise. He emphasized that such an approach would lead to a successful exercis
e, a rapid response capability, and ultimately enhance national security in the long term.