US donates bomb disposal robots to Nigeria

The US government has donated bomb disposal robots to Nigeria’s police to strengthen its capacity in tackling terrorism and other contemporary security challenges.

The robots presented at the police headquarters in Abuja, are capable of carrying out safe detonation of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and can demobilize explosives-laden vehicles among others. While demonstrating the capacity of the robots during a formal presentation of the equipment to the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, a Nigerian Police EOD robot technician stated that the device can locate and defuse suspicious and hazardous explosive items from remote places. He also said the robot is also capable of firing “disrupters” and delivering counter IED charges that can demobilize and render an IED safe. The IGP expressed his gratitude to the US government and promised to put the robots to effective use across the country. He enjoined other wealthy countries/individuals as well as corporate organizations to take a cue from the United States’ gesture and join hands in supporting the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crime.

The US Department of State, through the US Anti Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Programme, has trained a number of Nigerian Police personnel attached to the Anti Bomb Unit of the Force in modern Bomb disposal techniques and Explosives investigation courses.