The Federal Government has announced plans to establish civilian de-mining teams made up of retired military personnel, security veterans, and trained civilians to address the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across the country.

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Tuesday at the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop held in Abuja.

He said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s mine action framework, noting that the workshop serves as a platform to develop a draft national mine action bill and align implementation strategies with the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.

Musa described the persistent threat of anti-personnel mines and IEDs as a major humanitarian and security concern, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

According to him, the proposed civilian de-mining model will promote knowledge transfer and sustainability, as experienced retired combat engineers work alongside younger civilian trainees.

“A retired combat engineer working with a civilian trainee can transfer vital field experience, ensuring continuity of expertise,” he said, adding that involving civilians would also build trust within affected communities and encourage cooperation.

He noted that countries that have successfully cleared mine-contaminated areas combined community engagement with advanced protection technologies—an approach Nigeria intends to adapt locally.

The minister also stressed the importance of mine risk education, saying awareness campaigns at the community level could significantly reduce casualties and improve clearance operations.

“Our goal is to restore hope and normalcy—where children can walk to school safely, farmers return to their land, and communities rebuild without fear of explosive remnants,” he said.

Musa lamented that non-state actors, especially in insurgency-hit regions, continue to deploy improvised mines, leaving civilians—including farmers and children—exposed to deadly risks even after conflicts subside.

“Innocent citizens going about daily activities face life-threatening dangers. These are everyday realities, not distant possibilities,” he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s accession to the Ottawa Convention led to the establishment of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), which coordinates humanitarian demining efforts and supports civilian-focused clearance operations.

The NMAC, he said, is responsible for accrediting operators, ensuring quality control, developing operational standards, providing explosive risk education, and maintaining a national database on mine action.

In his remarks, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) representative, Edwin Faigmane, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in meeting its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

He disclosed that with support from the British and Japanese governments, Nigerian police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel have been trained to conduct IED search-and-destroy operations.

“We now have trained teams ready, and once equipment arrives, operations can begin,” he said.

Also speaking, the ECOWAS representative, Abayomi Adeomi, said the workshop reflects Nigeria’s commitment to tackling one of West Africa’s most pressing security and humanitarian challenges.

He warned that the increasing use of explosive hazards by non-state actors is worsening insecurity, displacing communities, and hindering economic recovery across the region.

“Explosive hazards contaminate farmland, restrict access to infrastructure, and delay development projects. Addressing them is both a security and development priority,” he said.

Adeomi added that ECOWAS remains committed to supporting member states, including Nigeria, in achieving a mine-free region.