Maiduguri, Borno State – As the world commemorated the 2025 International Mine Action Awareness Day, the Future Resilience and Development (FRAD) Foundation has issued a strong call for increased public vigilance in the North-East, urging residents to promptly report any suspicious or explosive-like objects to trained security personnel.
Speaking at a sensitization event in Maiduguri, the Executive Director of FRAD, Mr. Ibrahim Ishaku Balami, warned that explosive remnants of war continue to pose serious threats to civilians, especially in conflict-affected regions. He highlighted the importance of mine action awareness in safeguarding lives and promoting community resilience.
“Following the recent floods in Maiduguri, some explosive devices were discovered beneath the Lagos Bridge around Gwange and other vulnerable areas,” Balami revealed. “This is a wake-up call for increased public sensitization and community cooperation with security agencies.”
Mr. Balami said the FRAD Foundation, with vital support from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) and other partners, has already reached more than 70,000 people in Monguno, Bama, and Gwoza, and another 17,000 residents across Jere, Konduga, Magumeri in Borno State, and Bade and Fune in Yobe State through extensive mine risk education campaigns.
He noted that the organisation’s outreach efforts focus on equipping vulnerable populations—particularly women, children, and returnees—with the knowledge needed to identify and avoid life-threatening remnants of war, including landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Also speaking at the event, Angela Galu, Associate Program Officer of the United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS), emphasized the importance of caution and swift reporting.
“If you see something strange or suspicious—don’t touch it. Walk away and report it immediately to security personnel. Your action could save lives,” she urged.
The International Mine Action Awareness Day, observed globally on April 4th each year, serves as a platform to educate communities about the dangers of explosive remnants of war, promote safe practices, and advocate for mine clearance operations.
With insecurity still threatening parts of Nigeria’s North-East, stakeholders have reiterated the need for ongoing investment in mine action, community sensitization, and government collaboration to prevent further loss of lives.