The Nigerian government will involve youths, retired soldiers, and civilians in demining operations to reduce IED threats, promote skills transfer, and ensure sustainable clearance

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s demining strategy by involving youths, retired soldiers, and civilians in operations to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-personnel mines.

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The initiative was announced on Tuesday, March 24, in Abuja by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, during the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop.

Represented by the Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, Musa explained that civilian demining teams will include retired combat engineers, security veterans, medical personnel, and trained youths.

The teams are expected to work closely with communities exposed to explosive hazards.

“The proposed structure allows experienced military professionals to transfer critical skills to younger trainees while strengthening community confidence in clearance efforts,” Musa said.

The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) will coordinate operations, working with trained officers from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Force, alongside support from international partners.

Musa highlighted the humanitarian and security risks posed by hidden explosives, especially in North-East Nigeria, where contaminated farmland has forced many families to abandon productive land.

He said pairing retired combat engineers with youths will preserve technical expertise and ensure long-term sustainability of mine action nationwide.

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International partners, including the United Nations Mine Action Service, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s expanded model, which seeks to strengthen mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance across the country.