In an address at the Regional Stakeholders’ Meeting on Consolidating Collaborative Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Acquisition and Use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by Terrorist Groups, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has urged West African nations to unite in developing robust mechanisms to combat the growing threat of IEDs used by terrorist organizations.
The meeting, held to foster regional collaboration, brought together top experts, security officials, and policymakers from Nigeria and across West Africa. It aimed at devising innovative strategies to disrupt the production, trafficking, and deployment of IEDs, which have become a devastating tool in the hands of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Improvised explosive devices have wreaked havoc across West Africa, claiming countless lives, destroying communities, and undermining regional stability. These low-cost, highly destructive weapons are often crafted from readily available materials, making them a weapon of choice for terrorists. From roadside bombs targeting security forces to suicide attacks in crowded markets, IEDs have become a ready weapon for terrorist groups.
Mallam Ribadu emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, improved border security, and advanced technological solutions to detect and neutralize IEDs before they can be used. He also called for greater community engagement to raise awareness and prevent the radicalization that fuels terrorism.
