U.S. provides over $2 million in new equipment to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-nuclear smuggling capacity

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U.S. Consulate Assistant Regional Security Officer Jon Dvorak delivering remarks during a ceremony to transfer five new mobile radiation detection systems valued to the Nigeria Police Force.

Commissioner of Police in charge of Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Command, CP Zannah Shettima (middle) flanked on the left by U.S. Consulate Assistant Regional Security Officer Jon Dvorak and on the right by U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence’s Sustainability Manager for Nigeria, Stewart Voit, during a ribbon cutting ceremony to commission the donated equipment on Friday in Lagos.

An officer attached to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Police Command during the demonstration of the radioactive and nuclear detection equipment donated by the U.S. Government on Friday in Lagos.

An officer attached to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Police Command during a demonstration of the radioactive and nuclear detection equipment donated by the U.S. Government on Friday in Lagos.

A cross section of the mobile radioactive and nuclear detection systems donated by the U.S. Government to the Nigeria Police Force on Friday in Lagos.

The U.S. government works closely with Nigeria’s security services to provide technical assistance, equipment, professional exchange and training opportunities that support efforts to create a more peaceful, prosperous nation.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration, through its Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), transferred five new mobile radiation detection systems valued at over $2 million to the Nigeria Police Force.

Commissioner of Police in charge of Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Command, CP Zannah Shettima, received the donation on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.

Complementing the donation, 30 police officers participated in a two-week training on the operation of the detection equipment, ensuring the police have the skills to combat the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material. An additional 10 officers were trained on the maintenance of the donated equipment.

Delivering remarks during an outdoor handover ceremony in Lagos, U.S. Consulate Assistant Regional Security Officer Jon Dvorak described the equipment donation as an important step in advancing the robust U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.

Dvorak noted that the equipment transfer and associated trainings will enhance the police’s ability to interdict the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material into and within Nigeria.

“Nigeria remains one of the United States’ key partners in combating the smuggling of illicit nuclear and radioactive material,” Dvorak said. “Nigeria stands tall not only in Africa, but globally, in its commitment to prevent the trafficking and use of materials that pose a threat to health and safety.”

He expressed the commitment of the U.S. government to expand partnership with other Nigerian security services to directly support counter-nuclear smuggling operations and modernized training capabilities.

The mission of U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence is to build global capability to detect, disrupt, and investigate the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material before it can be used in an act of terrorism. The office partners with over 100 agencies in more than 70 countries around the world.

The equipment donation is part of a close and continuous bilateral partnership between the United States and Nigeria that has existed for decades to strengthen security ties and promote regional security. U.S. law enforcement programming focuses on building partner capacity, strengthening strategic relationships, and bolstering Nigeria’s security capabilities.