The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, is poised to enhance its capabilities in combating explosive threats through a specialized capacity-building training program in collaboration with the HALO Trust Global.

The initiative aims to equip NSCDC personnel with advanced skills in safe weapons handling and bolster their operational readiness to address explosive ordnance threats within the state.

This development was announced by Richard Goss, HALO Trust Operations Manager (Nigeria), during a courtesy visit to Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC Anambra State Commandant, at the state command headquarters in Awka on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

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Mr. Goss highlighted HALO Trust Global’s extensive contributions to global disarmament efforts. He noted that the organization conducts assessments of weapons and explosives storage facilities, constructs and refurbishes these facilities, manages weapon registrations, and strengthens the capacity of law enforcement agencies in the secure storage and management of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance.

He also emphasized the organization’s expertise in humanitarian mine clearance, stating that HALO Trust assesses vulnerabilities and provides strategic recommendations to improve security infrastructure and personnel capabilities, particularly in areas susceptible to explosive threats.

In response, Commandant Maku Olatunde underscored the critical importance of continuous training and retraining for NSCDC personnel to significantly boost the Corps’ operational effectiveness. He stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosives and hazardous materials across the state.

Assistant Commandant Onyebuchi Onwuteaka, who heads the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, affirmed that the upcoming training would provide personnel with essential expertise for the safe, secure, and accountable handling of ammunition and explosives.

Mr. Goss was accompanied on the visit by Ismaila Bojang, HALO Trust Construction Manager; Oluwaseyi Adekoya; Kingsley Ahukanma from NSCDC NHQ Abuja; and James Ageberu from NPF – EOD HQ Abuja.

This training initiative is expected to significantly bolster Anambra State’s security infrastructure in mitigating explosive ordnance threats and ensuring public safety.