By Peter Amine
Commander, Corps of Engineers (CCE), Maj. Gen. Shamsideen Shafarau, says the Nigerian Army engineers’ current focus is enhancing capabilities to meet operational needs in counter-improvised explosive devices and other combat engineering tasks.
Shafarau made the disclosure at the opening of the fourth quarter conference and rowing-out held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi on Tuesday.
He said that there was increased training on explosive ordnance disposal/counter-improvised explosive device techniques.
The commander also stated that the efforts were aimed at improving professionalism, competence and technical expertise in crucial engineering domains.
“We have collaborated with Sambus Geospatial Limited for training in the ArcGIS Pro software, targetting personnel with survey and GIS backgrounds to enhance proficiency in terrain and image analysis.
“Additionally, collaborations with our foreign training partners, notably the British Military Assistance Training Team, have enhanced our forensic capabilities.
“The collaboration led to the establishment of a counter-improvised explosive device forensic laboratory coordination cell at 47 Engineer Brigade.
“We are actively exploring partnerships in other crucial areas with the German Training Assistance Group,” he said.
“Recently, we drafted a standing operating procedure for improvised explosive device incident response currently under review at army headquarters,” he said.
Shafarau added that to further enhance the army engineering capabilities, the corps did a quick review of training on Nigerian Army engineering.
He said that a committee was established to holistically review to review all aspects of training, including curriculum and uplift standards, in line with global best practices.
“The corps has also made great strides with numerous construction projects across the country.
“Significant accomplishments include: the successful completion of the NA Mess and Suites at Ibadan and the ongoing construction of a 168-metre concrete bridge over River Aloma, among other projects,” he said.
The commander appreciated the Chief of Army Staff who facilitated the sustained procurement of vital explosive ordnance disposal/counter-improvised explosive device equipment.
According to him, plans are underway to procure the Skyfront Perimeter 8 drone technology and additional multi-sensor scanners, along explosives and accessories, to further boost explosive ordnance disposal/counter-improvised explosive devices.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day conference which began on Monday would end on Friday. NAN
