The United States Government has presented five new mobile radiation detection systems worth $2 million to Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
This has the US government promise it will continue to work closely with Nigeria’s security services on technical assistance, equipment, professional exchange and training opportunities.
The donation was made by the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration, through its Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD).
Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Command, Zannah Shettima received the donation.
Forty officers participated in training on the use and maintenance of the equipment to ensure the police have the skills to combat the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material.
During the handover ceremony in Lagos, U.S. Consulate Assistant Regional Security Officer Jon Dvorak described the donation as an important step in advancing the robust U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.
The official noted that the equipment training will enhance the police’s ability to interdict the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material into and within the country.
“Nigeria remains one of the United States’ key partners in combating the smuggling of illicit nuclear and radioactive material.
“Nigeria stands tall not only in Africa but globally, in its commitment to preventing the trafficking and use of materials that pose a threat to health and safety”, he said.
Dvorak expressed the commitment of the U.S. government to expand partnership with other Nigerian security services to counter nuclear smuggling operations.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence builds global capability to detect, disrupt and investigate the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material to foil its use for terrorism.