FG plans civilian-led demining teams to curb rising IED threats

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy civilian-led demining teams as part of a broader strategy to tackle the growing danger posed by improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines across Nigeria.

Speaking at the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, said the initiative would bring together retired military officers, security veterans, and trained civilians, including youths and medical professionals, to address explosive threats in affected communities.

He described the continued presence of landmines and IEDs, particularly in insurgency-impacted areas, as a serious humanitarian and security concern, noting that these hazards often remain active long after conflicts have subsided, endangering civilians going about their daily lives.

Bridging expertise and community trust

Musa said the proposed structure would encourage knowledge transfer by pairing experienced military personnel with civilian trainees, ensuring that technical expertise is not only preserved but also passed on to a new generation.

He explained that integrating civilians into demining operations would help build trust within communities, making it easier for residents to report suspicious objects and cooperate with authorities. According to him, such collaboration has proven effective in other countries that have successfully cleared mine-contaminated territories.

The minister also emphasised the importance of public awareness, noting that simple education campaigns in rural communities could significantly reduce casualties. He said increasing awareness about explosive risks would enable farmers to return to their land safely and allow children to attend school without fear.

“We must envision a Nigeria where communities can rebuild without the lingering threat of explosive remnants of war,” he said, stressing that restoring normalcy remains a key objective of the programme.

Policy framework and international backing

Musa further disclosed that the workshop was aimed at developing a comprehensive draft mine-action bill and defining implementation strategies aligned with the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines.

He highlighted the role of the National Mine Action Centre, which was established to coordinate humanitarian demining efforts, accredit operators, and ensure quality control in clearance operations. The centre also oversees data management and provides support for capacity building among security agencies handling explosive ordnance disposal.

The minister warned that the increasing use of IEDs by non-state actors has altered Nigeria’s security landscape, with civilians, especially farmers and children, bearing the brunt of the danger.

Also speaking at the event, representatives of the United Nations Mine Action Service reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s efforts, noting that international partners, including the United Kingdom and Japan, have been assisting in training personnel from the police and civil defence for search-and-destroy operations.

A representative of the Economic Community of West African States added that the proliferation of explosive hazards across the region continues to disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and hinder post-conflict recovery, stressing that addressing the threat remains both a security and development priority.

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The Federal Government said the proposed demining initiative forms part of a wider commitment to safeguarding lives, restoring affected communities, and building a safer environment free from the long-term dangers of explosive remnants of war.