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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to combat the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by organising a specialised seminar to strengthen the capacity of its engineers for contemporary security operations.
The seminar, organised by the 41 Engineer Brigade, 1 Division Nigerian Army, was held in Kaduna on Thursday as part of activities marking the graduation of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) X2 Course 126.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, Corps of Engineers, Maj.-Gen. S.T. Shafaru, represented by Maj.-Gen. Josiah Attah, said the programme was designed to equip Army engineers with the specialised skills required to support ongoing military operations across the country.
Shafaru said personnel newly posted to the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers undergo training at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, where they receive instruction in combat engineering, field engineering and artisan skills to prepare them for operational responsibilities.
He explained that the EOD course was introduced to bridge the shortage of explosive ordnance disposal specialists while strengthening the operational capacity of Army engineers with available resources.
According to him, IEDs have emerged as one of the greatest security threats confronting troops engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
“The widespread use of these devices has complicated military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas,” he said.
He noted that Nigerian Army engineers play a critical role in detecting, clearing and safely destroying explosive devices before military convoys and civilians use affected routes.
Shafaru added that EOD personnel are trained in specialised techniques for identifying, disarming and disposing of explosive devices, while the Corps continues to collaborate with other security agencies and international partners, including the British Military Assistance Training Team and the German Training and Assistance Group, to enhance technical expertise and intelligence sharing.
He said public awareness campaigns and seminars such as the current one would encourage citizens to report suspicious objects and activities, thereby helping security agencies prevent attacks.
Describing the seminar as timely, Shafaru said its theme, “Building Nigerian Army Engineers’ Capacity on Counter-Improvised Explosive Device in Contemporary Security Operations,” reflects the realities of modern warfare and the evolving security environment.
He also disclosed that members of the German Training and Assistance Group had supported participants undergoing the Medium Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering and commended them for their continued assistance.
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In addition, he revealed that facilities at the 41 Engineer Brigade Training School had been upgraded, while additional training aids had been provided to improve practical and realistic instruction.
Delivering a goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, represented by the Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. Anwar Abdullahi, described the seminar as an important platform for collaboration among the military and other security agencies.
He said the programme aligns with the third pillar of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which emphasises operational readiness through continuous mission-oriented training and doctrinal innovation.
According to Wase, IEDs remain one of the most serious threats confronting modern military operations, making it imperative for troops to remain combat-ready and adaptable.
He urged participants to transfer the knowledge acquired during the seminar to their respective units and operational theatres to enhance effectiveness on the battlefield.
Earlier, the Commander, 41 Engineer Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sheriff Aremu, said the seminar was the first of its kind within the 1 Division and formed part of activities marking the graduation of the EOD X2 Course 126.
He disclosed that the course, which began on June 12, 2026, had 31 participants drawn from units under the 41 Engineer Brigade and one personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Military Police within the Division’s area of responsibility.
Aremu said the training became necessary due to the increasing use of IEDs by criminal and terrorist groups, particularly in areas where the brigade is actively supporting Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other military operations.
He expressed appreciation to the National Counter-Terrorism Centre and other stakeholders for supporting the programme, while also commending the Commander, Corps of Engineers, for improving training infrastructure and providing modern instructional facilities.
Charging the graduating participants, Aremu urged them to uphold professionalism and apply the knowledge acquired during the course in the discharge of their operational duties.
The graduation ceremony for EOD X2 Course 126 is scheduled to take place at the Joint Officers’ Mess, Basawa Barracks.
The seminar attracted senior military officers, commanders, commandants of Army formations and schools, principal staff officers of 1 Division, resource persons and representatives of other security agencies, with participants expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve Nigeria’s capacity to detect, manage and defeat IED threats in contemporary security operations.
