For more than a decade, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been the deadliest threat to security forces and civilians in north-east Nigeria. Roads are mined, villages are attacked, and movement is restricted – leaving communities isolated and livelihoods at risk. Until recently, responses to these threats were fragmented, relying on ad hoc WhatsApp groups or individual initiative rather than a coordinated system.
That changed with the creation of Nigeria’s first Counter-IED (C-IED) Coordination Cell in Borno State. With support from the Lake Chad Basin Stabilisation Facility (LSF), funded by international partners including the UK, this once-empty unit has been transformed into a staffed, trained, and equipped hub – bringing structure and strategy to the fight against IEDs.
From Fragmented Responses to a Central Hub
Until mid-2024, the Nigerian Army and Police Force both maintained small explosive disposal units, but poor coordination and weak data systems meant their work was largely reactive. Incident data was incomplete, threat assessments inconsistent, and intelligence often failed to reach those who needed it most. The result: high casualty rates for security personnel and civilians alike, with IEDs continuing to shape the conflict across the Lake Chad Basin.
Recognising the gap, LSF deployed a technical expert to work alongside the British Defence Section (BDS) and the Nigerian Army. Together, they developed a roadmap to operationalise the dormant Coordination Cell, moving it from paper to practice.
A New Way of Tackling the Threat
The revitalised Cell now sits at the heart of Nigeria’s C-IED efforts. Staffed by permanent personnel and guided by new standard operating procedures, it analyses and shares intelligence across the three pillars of counter-IED strategy:
- Protecting the Force – giving soldiers better information to avoid or neutralise threats.
- Defeating the Device – coordinating disposal teams and ensuring lessons from incidents are recorded.
- Attacking the Network – tracing materials and methods back to violent extremist groups.
Mentoring, training, and targeted equipment provided by LSF and partners gave the team both confidence and capability. In one telling moment, Nigerian staff delivered a full threat briefing to the visiting UK Minister of State for Defence – demonstrating both ownership and expertise.
Why This Matters
This is the first time Nigeria has had a dedicated C-IED Coordination Cell operating inside an active conflict theatre. Its work is already helping reduce troop casualties, improving detection rates, and giving communities a greater sense of security.
Beyond the military impact, the Cell is strengthening institutional capacity. Links to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre are bridging tactical work on the ground with national policy, while new business cases developed with UNMAS are helping secure investment in police training schools. Support from Japan has already unlocked the first formal police EOD training in four years – evidence that international partners see the value of this work.
The long-term goal is a sustainable, national C-IED strategy. By laying the foundations for coordinated action, the LSF and its partners have elevated counter-IED from a fragmented set of activities to a national security priority – one that is saving lives today and building resilience for tomorrow.
This initiative was supported by the Lake Chad Basin Stabilisation Facility (LSF), with funding from international partners including the UK and Japan.
