The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting, organized by The HALO Trust with support from the United States Department of State.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting.

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The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to Prince Ganiyu Otunba, Country Director for Nigeria at The HALO Trust, this training is part of a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command.

This includes capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and mitigating explosive ordnance threats within Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January 2025.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, expressed his gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and The HALO Trust for their invaluable support.

The training focused on equipping NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the necessary knowledge, skills, and best practices for safe and secure ammunition handling and accounting.

Key objectives included ensuring proper record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion of ammunition, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices in ammunition management.

CP Patrick Atayero, Head of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command, emphasized the critical importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and minimizing the risk of accidental explosions.

He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

HALO Trust is a leading global humanitarian organization specializing in Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management.

With over 35 years of experience, HALO Trust possesses extensive expertise in Weapons and Ammunition Management, including the rehabilitation and construction of secure armories, the disposal of unsafe weapons and ammunition, and capacity building for national authorities to ensure safe and accountable weapons management.

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The HALO Trust currently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO Trust successfully trained a total of 106 Nigerian security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.