Abuja: The Federal Government is set to establish civilian de-mining teams comprising retired military personnel, other security veterans, and civilians, including youths and medical professionals, to address the threats posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this initiative at the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop held in Abuja. Musa stated that the workshop serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaboratively draft a comprehensive mine action bill and define national implementation measures aligned with the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.
The minister emphasized that anti-personnel mines and IEDs pose significant humanitarian and security concerns. He explained that the proposed model, once operational, provides a practical scenario for knowledge transfer. By pairing a retired combat engineer with a young civilian trainee, critical field experience can be passed on, ensuring the sustainability of expertise. Including civilians in this effort is intended to foster trust within affected communities, encouraging them to seek assistance and participate in recruitment.
Musa highlighted that successful mine clearance in other countries has combined community engagement with advanced protection technologies, an approach that Nigeria must adapt to its local context. He also advocated for mine clearance education, noting that awareness campaigns in villages could mean the difference between life and death. Educating communities on the risks and response strategies can significantly improve clearance operations.
The minister further observed that in recent years, non-state actors, particularly in insurgency-affected areas, have deployed improvised mines, continuing to endanger lives even after active hostilities have subsided. Ordinary citizens, including farmers and children, face life-threatening dangers as they go about their daily activities.
Musa stressed that in response to these challenges, Nigeria has acceded to the Ottawa Convention and established the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) to coordinate humanitarian demining efforts. NMAC is tasked with accrediting mine action operators, monitoring quality in clearance operations, developing standard operating procedures, and providing explosive risk education. The Centre also supports capacity building for security institutions in IED clearance and maintains a national data management system for mine action.
In a goodwill message, the UNMAS representative, Mr. Edwin Faigmane, reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The UN, along with the British and Japanese governments, has been training Nigeria’s police and NSCDC to conduct search-and-destroy operations for IEDs. Once the necessary equipment arrives, operations can commence.
The ECOWAS representative, Mr. Abayomi Adeomi, noted that the workshop reflects a strong national commitment to addressing one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian and security challenges. The West African region is witnessing an alarming proliferation of explosive hazards, which continue to kill civilians, displace communities, disrupt livelihoods, and hinder post-conflict recovery and development. Addressing these issues is not just a security priority but also a fundamental development and humanitarian imperative. ECOWAS remains committed to supporting member states, including Nigeria, in achieving a mine-free region.