IGP Egbetokun’s support crucial to our success story — CP Atayero

We Owe Our Success Story To IGP Egbetokun’s Support – CP Atayero

Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordinance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Command of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Patrick Adedeji Atayero, said the success story of the command in safeguarding the internal security of the country would not have been with the strategic support of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who provided funding for the training, regularly ensuring that the personnel are mobilized and the procurement of high-tech equipment.

CP Patrick Atayero, who noted that he last quarter of the year 2024 has been indeed very busy and most productive for the Command, added that “we have made great strides and achievements due largely to the benevolent support we have constantly received from the Inspector General of Police, in terms of procurement of equipment as well as training and capacity building interventions, locally and internationally.”

CP Atayero, who made this disclosure during the last of the year parley of the Command held on December 5, also appreciated the support of The Office of the National Security Adviser, The Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and organizations such as the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), The Halo Trust, the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence in the United States Department of Energy, The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the INTERPOL for intelligence interventions at different times which culminated in the remarkable achievements of the Command.

The EOD-CBRN quarterly meeting also had in attendance the DCP, EOD-CBRN Command, the ACP, EOD-CBRN Command, All Base/Unit Commanders and other Senior Officers, while declaring the conference open on behalf of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, specially commended all the officers and men of the Command for their tireless efforts in combating illegal use, storage, and transportation of explosives and allied materials that threaten the very fabrics of the peace and security of the nation.

“Indeed, there’s no quantifying the great harm that could have resulted if such items had gotten into the wrong hands but for the professionalism, hard work and constant vigilance of our personnel in ensuring the safe and lawful production, storage, transportation and use of these materials.”

CP Atayero stated that the “specialized training programmes have enhanced our capacity to detect, respond to, dispose of, and investigate incidents involving the use of explosive ordnances especially Improvised Explosives Devices, the use of which continue to pose significant threat within the country. Personnel of the Command have improved their knowledge and skills in the detection and handling of radiation and radioactive materials, while we have expanded our pool of instructors for Explosive Ordnance Risk.”

As part of its efforts to curb explosives related crimes in the country, the police officer said the Command has embarked on enlightenment campaign to ensure that members of the public are adequately educated on the dangers connected to indiscriminate exposure and disposure of IEDs. “Officers are now equipped to generate and spread public awareness to local communities, schools, public parks, market places and other places of interest in areas of interest,” adding that the Command made a notable milestone within the period under review with the official commissioning of the EOD-CBRN training school, Maiduguri, Borno State, with the active support of the UNMAS and the British Government.

CP Atayero said the UNMAS and the British Government should be commended for donating crucial equipment for training and supplied solar powered electricity generation to the school for stable power supply.

CP Atayero stated that “our personnel have worked tirelessly to respond to several major incidents, especially those involving the detection and disposal of IEDs/Uxos. On 26th July 2026 at about 1300hrs Base 36 Akwa personnel attached to the Joint Task Force recovered 17 IEDs from a dislodged camp of IPOB/ESN at Agulu, Ihiala and Aguata in Anambra State. On 2nd August 2024 at about 1705hrs Base 13 Maiduguri personnel recovered six projected grenades from Ajilari cross area of Bulumkutu division of Borno State. On 6th August 2024 at about 0003hrs, Base 13 Maiduguri detected and rendered safe a booby trap IED close to Goni Umaru Mosque, Borno State. On 17th September 2024 a UXO was recovered at Baza Michika LGA of Adamawa State by personnel of Base 10 Yola,” in the period under review.

Other key achievements include “On 28th September 2024 at about 1230hrs Base 6 Port Harcourt recovered 4 pieces of 25mm High explosives, 3 safety fuse and 4 pieces of blasting caps from Area Command personnel who intercepted the explosive materials while on stop-and-search along Marcoba-Ibeto road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. On 2nd October 2024 at 1845hrs Base 13 Maiduguri recovered a UXO at Ngadabul Riverbank, Dala Kafanti community, Borno State. Similarly, on 5th October 2024 at about 1315hrs 3 Russian projectiles each containing 780g of TNT was recovered at Ngadabul Riverbank, Dala Kafanti community. On 9th October 2024 at 1300hrs personnel of Base 6 Port Harcourt during technical sweeping of Onyigbo Local Government Secretariat recovered 4 pieces of High explosive and 4 blasting caps.”

The police officer said “It is important to reiterate the enormous harm and injury to lives and properties that could have resulted but for the timely and professional responses of our personnel to the listed incidents. Indeed, personnel of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command are unsung heroes who put lives and limbs on the line each and every time they are called upon to respond to such incidents. I can assure you that the IGP is quite mindful of your efforts and hence his love and support for the Command, I encourage you all that are gathered here as Bases and Unit Commanders to take this message of support and the goodwill of our amiable IGP to your personnel. I also seize this opportunity, on the behalf of the IGP, to commend the conduct of the personnel of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command during the recently concluded gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Edo States, as well as Local Government Council elections across several states, our personnel displayed absolute professionalism and dedication to duty.

The conference, themed “Professionalism: Key to Ensuring and Enhancing Operational Readiness and Effectiveness,” CP Atayero noted, is very timely, adding that “As we move forward, I urge you to remain focused, avoid complacency, and commit to your duties while upholding professionalism. Professionalism is the foundation of our combat-readiness and operational effectiveness. As we pledge to discharge our duties conscientiously, let’s strive to meet international best practices.”

Patrick Adedeji Atayero