.... Theatre Commander Tasks Eod Operatives To Exploit Techniques Learnt During Training
The Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj Gen GU Chibuisi, has tasked graduands of the Basic Field Exploitation Course (BFEC), to apply techniques learnt during training in their various formations and units.
He gave the charge on 17 November 2023, at the graduation ceremony of 29 operatives of Explosive Ordnance Devices (EOD), who participated in the BFEC 1/2023 organized by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) in collaboration with the Adams Smith International, at the Theatre Training School, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri.
The course according to Gen Chibuisi, was aimed at equipping operatives with the requisite skills of countering and exploiting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), noting that with the skills displayed during the demonstration session, he was confident that the objectives of the course had been achieved.
Gen Chibuisi encouraged the graduates to use the knowledge gained to train other colleagues in their units, assuring them of his support and that of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TA Lagbaja. He further congratulated the graduates and used the medium to thank BMATT and Adams Smith International for the training.
In the same vein, Commander Operation TURUS Col Martins David during his remarks, maintained that the Nigeria remained UK's foremost security partner in Africa, adding that the UK was concerned about the security threats in Nigeria, especially insurgents' threats in the NE which transcends borders.
Col Martins further opined that though the best defence against IEDs was one's self, the BFEC would help in confronting the threats posed by IEDs. He assured that BMATT would continue to support the NA in providing relevant training and equipment to curb the security challenges.
Earlier, the Commander 47 Engineer Brigade Brig Gen KO Ukandu stated that training was the bedrock of professionalism and the best welfare that could be given to personnel. This he noted, was in line with the COAS vision which is " To Transform the NA into a Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment".
Gen Ukandu also thanked the Theatre Commander, whom he said was passionate about improving personnel Counter - IED capabilities and all who made the course successful.
High points of the ceremony were, a practical demonstration of exploitation of IEDs by operatives, presentation of certificates to graduands, handing over of equipment and group photographs.
