The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General GU Chibuisi, has called upon the 29 Explosive Ordnance Devices (EOD) operatives who recently concluded the Basic Field Exploitation Course (BFEC) to employ the skills acquired during training in their respective formations and units.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Theatre Training School in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, marked the successful completion of the BFEC 1/2023, organized by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) in collaboration with Adams Smith International.
During his address, General Chibuisi emphasized that the primary goal of the BFEC was to equip operatives with the essential skills to counter and exploit Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Expressing confidence in the demonstrated skills during the session, he asserted that the course objectives had been successfully achieved.
The Theatre Commander encouraged the graduates to disseminate their newfound knowledge by training their colleagues within their units. He assured them of his support, as well as that of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja. General Chibuisi extended his congratulations to the graduates and expressed gratitude to BMATT and Adams Smith International for their invaluable contribution to the training.
In his remarks, Commander of Operation TURUS, Colonel Martins David, emphasized the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in addressing security challenges. Recognizing Nigeria as the UK’s foremost security partner in Africa, Colonel Martins highlighted the shared concern about security threats in Nigeria, particularly the insurgency in the North East.
Colonel Martins acknowledged the significance of self-defense against IEDs and underscored the BFEC’s role in confronting these threats. He pledged continued support from BMATT in providing essential training and equipment to help the Nigerian Army tackle evolving security challenges.
Brigadier General KO Ukandu, the Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, emphasized the centrality of training in fostering professionalism and ensuring the well-being of personnel. Aligning with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, General Ukandu quoted, “To Transform the NA into a Trained, Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.”
General Ukandu expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander for his commitment to enhancing personnel Counter-IED capabilities and thanked all individuals who contributed to the success of the course.
The ceremony’s highlights included a practical demonstration of IED exploitation by operatives, the presentation of certificates to graduates, the handover of equipment, and group photographs capturing the milestone moment.
