The Federal Government has announced its readiness to establish civilian de-mining teams comprising retired military personnel, other security veterans, and civilians, including youths and medical professionals, to tackle threats of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the country.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), announced this at the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Musa explained that the workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to collectively develop a comprehensive draft mine action bill and define national implementation measures aligned with the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.
Musa said the threat posed by anti-personnel mines and IEDs remains a serious humanitarian and security concern.
The minister stated that the proposed model, once operational, offers a practical scenario for knowledge transfer.
He said: “A retired combat engineer working alongside a young civilian trainee can pass on critical field experience, ensuring sustainability of expertise.
“At the same time, the inclusion of civilians fosters trust within affected communities, encouraging them to come forward for assistance and recruitment.”
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Musa noted that countries that have successfully cleared mined territories have combined community engagement with advanced protection technologies, “an approach we must adapt to our local context.”
He also advocated for mine clearance education, noting that even a simple awareness campaign in a village could mean the difference between life and death.
The minister added: “When communities understand the risks and know how to respond, clearance operations can be significantly improved.
“Ultimately, our collective effort must restore hope and normalcy.
“We must envision a Nigeria where children can walk to school without fear, where farmers can safely return to their land, and where communities can rebuild without the legal threat of explosive remnants of war.”
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