Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army has commenced a critical seminar in Kaduna to strengthen the capacity of its engineers to counter the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which military commanders now describe as one of the greatest security challenges confronting troops in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country. The seminar, organised by the 41 Engineer Brigade of the 1 Division Nigerian Army on Thursday, July 30, 2026, formed part of activities marking the graduation of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) X2 Course 126, a programme designed to bridge the shortage of EOD specialists and enhance the corps' operational capability.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Major General S.T. Shafaru, represented by Major General Josiah Attah, emphasised that IEDs have become a pervasive threat complicating military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas. "Improvised Explosive Devices have become one of the greatest security threats confronting the Nigerian Army in ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Their widespread use has complicated military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas," Shafaru said. He explained that Army engineers routinely conduct clearance operations to detect and remove explosive devices before troops and civilians use affected routes, while EOD specialists are trained to identify, disarm and safely destroy explosives.
The training initiative 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. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Wase, described the seminar as a platform for troops and sister security agencies to exchange ideas on tackling IED threats. The Commander of the 41 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Sheriff Aremu, disclosed that the course, which commenced 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.
The increasing sophistication of IEDs has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria's counter-insurgency operations, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where terrorist groups have continued to adapt their tactics and make the devices more sophisticated and deadly. In response, the Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to build the capacity of its engineers through partnerships with international allies. The Corps of Engineers has collaborated with the British Military Assistance Training Team and the German Training and Assistance Group to improve technical expertise and intelligence sharing. Shafaru disclosed that the German Training and Assistance Group had been supporting participants of the Medium Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering.
The commander also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns in encouraging citizens to report suspicious objects and activities that could help security agencies prevent attacks. Describing the seminar as timely, Shafaru said the increasing use of IEDs across operational theatres underscored the need for continuous capacity building. He further revealed that he had directed the upgrade of facilities at the 41 Engineer Brigade Training School and the provision of additional training aids to improve realistic training.
The training comes at a time when troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have been actively recovering and destroying IEDs planted by terrorists across the North-West. In recent operations, troops have engaged terrorist groups, recovered heavy-calibre weapons and improvised explosive devices, and rescued kidnapped victims. The threat of IEDs has also been a major concern in the North-East, where troops of the Nigerian Army's 202 Battalion, working alongside EOD teams, have recovered and safely destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices.
As the Nigerian Army continues to confront the evolving threat of IEDs, the training of bomb disposal experts represents a critical component of the military's strategy to protect troops and civilians alike. The partnership with international allies and the emphasis on realistic, mission-oriented training reflect a growing recognition that countering the IED threat requires not only technical expertise but also continuous adaptation and innovation. For the soldiers on the frontlines, the skills acquired through this training could mean the difference between life and death. For the communities they protect, it represents a crucial step towards restoring safety and normalcy in regions long scarred by terrorism and insurgency.
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