29 Experts Conclude Basic Field Exploitation Course
…as Theatre Commander urges participants to apply training techniques
By Lawrence Audu
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General GU Chibuisi, has urged graduands of the Basic Field Exploitation Course (BFEC) to effectively utilize the techniques they had acquired during their training.
A total of 29 skilled professionals successfully completed the BFEC training in a significant milestone event. The ceremony, which took place on November 17, 2023, marked the culmination of their intensive training in explosive ordnance devices (EOD).
General Chibuisi expressed his confidence in the graduates’ abilities, acknowledging their impressive display of skills during the demonstration session. He emphasized that the objectives of the course had been successfully achieved.
The Theater Commander further encouraged the graduates to share their newfound knowledge with their colleagues in their respective units. He assured them of his support, as well as the support of Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
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General Chibuisi took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and expressed gratitude to BMATT and Adams Smith International for their invaluable training contributions.
In a similar manner, Commander Operation TURUS, Col Martins David, emphasized that Nigeria remains the United Kingdom’s primary security partner in Africa. He expressed concerns about security threats in Nigeria, particularly the cross-border threats posed by insurgents in the northeast region.
Colonel Martins further stated that while individuals should prioritize self-defense against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the BFEC (presumably the name of an organization) would assist in addressing the challenges posed by IEDs. He reassured that BMATT (British Military Advisory and Training Team) would continue supporting the Nigerian Army by providing necessary training and equipment to mitigate security challenges.
Earlier, Brigadier General KO Ukandu, Commander of the 47 Engineer Brigade, highlighted the significance of training as the foundation of professionalism and the best form of welfare for personnel. He emphasized that this aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated force capable of fulfilling constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
General Ukandu also expressed gratitude to the Theater Commander and all those who contributed to the success of the training course, particularly for their dedication to improving personnel’s counter-IED capabilities.
The BFEC 1/2023 course, organized in collaboration with the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) and Adams Smith International, aimed to equip participants with the essential skills necessary for countering and exploiting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The ceremony included a practical demonstration of IED exploitation by operatives, the presentation of certificates to the graduates, the handover of equipment, and group photographs as the highlights.
