Nigerian Army has commenced a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the ability of its engineers to counter the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in contemporary security operations.

The training, organised by the 41 Engineer Brigade of the 1 Division Nigerian Army, was held in Kaduna on Thursday as part of activities marking the graduation of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) X2 Course 126.

Speaking at the event, the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General S.T. Shafaru, represented by Major General Josiah Attah, said the seminar was designed to equip Army engineers with the skills needed to effectively support ongoing military operations across the country.

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Shafaru said that since assuming office, he had prioritised the training of personnel in the Corps of Engineers to enhance their ability to provide effective combat support and sustainable engineering solutions.

According to him, the initiative aligns with his vision of improving the adaptability and resilience of the Nigerian Army within a joint and multi-agency operational environment.

He explained that newly posted personnel to the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers undergo basic combat engineering, field engineering and artisan training at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering.

The training, he said, is intended to produce well-rounded professional soldiers capable of undertaking specialised engineering assignments in operational environments.

Shafaru noted that the EOD course was introduced to address the shortage of explosive ordnance disposal specialists while enhancing the capacity of Army engineers with available resources.

“Improvised Explosive Devices have become one of the greatest security threats confronting the Nigerian Army in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

“The widespread use of these devices has complicated military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas,” he said.

He described the seminar’s theme, “Building Nigerian Army Engineers’ Capacity on Counter-Improvised Explosive Device in Contemporary Security Operations,” as timely and relevant to the nation’s current security challenges.

In his goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Wase, represented by the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Anwar Abdullahi, said the seminar offered an important platform for troops and other security agencies to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration in tackling IED threats.

Earlier, the Commander of the 41 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Sheriff Aremu, said the seminar was the first of its kind within the 1 Division and formed part of activities marking the graduation of EOD X2 Course 126.

According to him, the course, which began on June 12, 2026, had 31 participants drawn from units under the 41 Engineer Brigade, alongside one personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Military Police within the division’s area of responsibility.

Aremu said the training was necessitated by the increasing need to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian Army engineers to detect, neutralise and counter IED threats while supporting ongoing military operations.

He added that the programme was particularly significant because of the brigade’s active involvement in Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other subsidiary operations within the 1 Division’s operational area.