By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Nigeria has urged West African and Sahel countries to strengthen collaboration to tackle the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), made the call at the closing of a five-day Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Baseline Self-Assessment Workshop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service and the British High Commission.

Laka praised participants for their professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment, highlighting that the networks formed during the workshop would enhance cooperation among the Armed Forces, security agencies, and international partners.

He warned that Insurgents continue to adapt and refine their use of IEDs, emphasizing the need for constant innovation and coordinated action.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the United Nations and the British High Commission to host a regional seminar, bringing together security personnel from across West Africa and the Sahel to share experiences and best practices.

Laka emphasised that sustained collaboration, innovation, and effective information sharing are critical to countering IED threats and strengthening regional security.

The workshop facilitator,‘Mr. Paul Amoroso, stressed that timely sharing of intelligence remains a major challenge.

Amoroso explained that the workshop progressed from basic understanding of IED threats to advanced analysis, applying expertise across security, defence, and intelligence sectors, while also including civil society, academia, and industry in the solution set.

Using a “jigsaw puzzle” analogy, Mr. Amoroso said Nigeria has a strong intelligence picture, but its value depends on sharing it promptly with decision-makers.

He commended participants, noting the workshop achieved in five days what would normally take two weeks, providing a solid foundation for a strategic national roadmap against IEDs. (NAN)