By Bavoriat Clara
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, formally commenced a two-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Training in preparation for the Presidential Command and Control Centre (PC4) Exercise Rapid Response 2.
The National Coordinator of the Centre, General Adamu Laka, described the training as a vital component of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national crisis response mechanisms and enhance counter-terrorism readiness. He noted that the programme was designed to test the country’s collective crisis management framework under the National Crisis Management Doctrine.
Representing the National Coordinator, the Director of Infrastructure at the NCTC, Colonel Eromosele Lawani, explained that the training would build the technical capacity of first responders and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel. He said the exercise would assess the preparedness of participants in counter-IED procedures, improve coordination, and foster greater inter-agency collaboration with clear command and control processes.
Colonel Lawani emphasized that counter-IED operations require the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, road safety officials, and ministries such as health, works, and information. He noted that each institution plays a unique role in managing incidents, from securing blast sites to preventing further casualties.
He further commended the dedication of participants, facilitators, and organizers, describing the training as an opportunity to reinforce Nigeria’s security posture and collective response capacity. He also acknowledged the support of the British High Commission in Nigeria’s counter-IED efforts, as well as the leadership of the National Security Adviser for providing the necessary resources to drive the exercise.
Declaring the training open on behalf of the National Coordinator, Colonel Lawani urged participants to approach the sessions with commitment and professionalism, stressing that safety remains the highest priority.
The Counter-IED Training, holding from 16 to 17 September 2025, forms a critical preparatory phase for Exercise Rapid Response 2, which is aimed at testing and strengthening Nigeria’s national security and crisis management systems.
admin