[Mhiz Rebecca]

The US embassy in Nigeria, on Friday concluded
training for 60 Nigerian anti-bomb policemen in
Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the one-month training included four sessions of
15 participants who will become Explosive
Ordinance Disposal (EOD) mentors.
In his remarks, Mr Scoitie Blancett, the Regional
Security Officer in the US Embassy, said they were
happy to share their expertise with the officers.
He expressed optimism that the effects of the
training would bring about safety for people in
the country.
The police officers, drawn from different
commands were trained in
The training was facilitated by the American
Embassy in Nigeria through the Office of Anti-
Terrorism Assistant (ATA) in conjunction with the
NPF.
In his closing remarks, Mr Ibrahim Idris, the
Inspector-General of Police (I-G) said the officers
would serve as trainers to other officers in their
various commands.
“The beneficiaries are expected to impart the
knowledge acquired to other bomb technicians
across the country in order to enhance EOD
service delivery,” he said.
Idris, who was represented by the DIG
Operations, Mr Joshak Habila, expressed gratitude
to the U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, the region
security officer, US Embassy in Abuja and the
facilitators for the training.
He assured Nigerians that with the number of
trained officers, there would be no vacuum in
states and communities the military were leaving
in the North East.
“The training was designed to expose participants
to current trends in rendering safe/disposal of
Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and
Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) through the
application of EOD standard, practice and
technique.
“Participants were taken on overview of recent
threat particularly in Nigeria and by extension,
the Africa Bomb threat assessment/tactical
operations, IED electronic review, post blast
investigation overview,” Idris said.
One of the facilitators, Mr JonDe Martino, advised
the participants to observe all that they were
instructed, particularly, their owe safety before
saving others.
Earlier, the commissioner in charge of Anti-Bomb,
Mr Chika Maidama, described the training as
precise and rich in outline, noting that it had
refreshed and updated the technicians with EOD
skills.
“I assure you all that the knowledge and skills
acquired by the participants during this course
will be disseminated in our future local training
as well as day-to-day activities/operations.
“To the trainees/EOD operatives, remember that
you must be alive and safe to help,” he said.
The training was facilitated by the American
Embassy in Nigeria through the Office of Anti-
Terrorism Assistant (ATA) in conjunction with the
NPF.