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The UK Government, in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has provided Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) training to 75 members of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria.
The inaugural training which concluded on 4 October 2024, was designed to allow NPF and NSCDC officers to teach EORE techniques to members of at-risk communities so that they can share their knowledge more widely to reduce the harm caused by explosive ordnance.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Maiduguri, the British High Commission’s Human Security Adviser, John Sanderson said: “This training is critically important. Police and Civil Defence officers will now be able to deploy to prioritised locations to raise awareness of community members about the risks of explosive ordnance. This will help to enhance human security in high-risk locations affected by conflict.”
Also, the Chief of the UNMAS Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane, said: “Working with the NPF and NSCDC allows us to deliver these essential life-saving messages in hard-to-reach areas.
“It also builds sustainability as the NPF and NSCDC will be present in these areas, working with communities, to better protect people against the dangers posed by explosive ordnance.”
The NSCDC Commandant, Abdulkadir Sulu also said, “Acquiring EORE is not only going to boost the effectiveness of NSCDC personnel in assisting residents of communities that are impacted by explosives remnants of war to stay safe; it is also going to contribute significantly to keeping our personnel and their families too safe. We are therefore very grateful to UNMAS and the UK Government for this thoughtful and important assistance.”
Commissioner of Police Patrick Atayero said, “I am delighted to announce that the Police EOD-CBRN training school in Maiduguri has officially commenced operations.
“This milestone achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the United Nations Mine Action Service and the UK Government.
“The Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Trainers’ programme marks a significant step forward in enhancing our capacity to raise awareness about the dangers of explosive ordnance, ultimately promoting a safer environment in northeast Nigeria.”
The closing ceremony included officials from UNMAS, the British High Commission, NPF and NSCDC.
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