NEMA, US Map Out Strategies Against Terrorism

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States National Counter-Terrorism Centre have commenced a “table top simulation exercise” for stakeholders in disaster management.

This is contained in a statement by NEMA’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Yushau Shuaib, yesterday in Abuja. According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at improving the capacity of stakeholders in rescue operations in the event of terrorist attacks.

“The exercise, organised in conjunction with the US National Counter-Terrorism Centre, focuses on the use of vital assets as independent protective devices and chemical pollution level detection instruments.

It said NEMA’s Director General, Mohammed Sani-Sidi, while declaring the exercise open, said emergency rescue exercise had become necessary with the increase in the incidence of terrorism attacks in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He explained that the simulation exercise would identify capabilities and gaps inherent in the preparations of relevant agencies to meet the exigencies of terrorists’ strikes.

“Nigeria as a nation has had its fair share of this ugly phenomenon that has now made it necessary for us to gather in this serene environment to practise and articulate scenarios as well as conduct tabletop simulation exercises.

“This will enhance our capacity to face this challenging phase of our national development,” he stated. The NEMA DG thanked the US Government for the support extended to Nigeria’s national emergency preparedness and especially the National Pandemic Disaster Response programme.

He said the agency had applied for a piece of land to enable it build its proposed Centre for Disaster and Emergency Management.

“Once the land application is granted by Federal Capital Territory, construction work will immediately commence,” he said. According to him, the centre will be a coordination point for stakeholders in emergency management both in the public and private sectors.

The statement quoted the US. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terrence McCulley, as saying that the exercise, would help to identify national capabilities, gaps, values and needs among others.