Conflict leaves scars that go far beyond the battlefield and history books. In many parts of the world, wars may end, but their deadly remnants remain, buried beneath the soil, awaiting an unsuspecting step.
Nigeria is no exception. Landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) also referred to as Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) litter parts of the country, posing a silent but lethal threat to civilians, farmers, and even children.
ERWs
Landmines and other ERWs are not just relics of the past. Despite international efforts to ban their use, they continue to claim lives long after conflicts subside or end. The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, however, enforcement remains a challenge.
Nigeria has faced multiple armed conflicts. From the Biafra War, Niger-Delta militancy, and the Boko Haram insurgency, have seen her lands contaminated with explosive hazards. Today, Nigeria unfortunately ranks second worldwide in landmine emergencies, with states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe being the most affected.
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Landmines are particularly insidious because they do not distinguish between a soldier and a civilian (or even a Terrorist). They are designed to kill or maim anybody.
They are often hidden just beneath the ground or water, waiting to detonate when pressure is applied. This is because they explode when persons or vehicles come near or step on them.
Decades after conflicts have ended, these hidden hazards continue to kill and injure innocent people, especially in rural areas where knowledge of Landmines and other explosives are poor.
The Real Cost of Landmine Contamination
The presence of unexploded ordnance is not just a military concern. Sadly, it is a humanitarian and economic crisis. It has led to:
Displacement and Fear: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remain scared of returning home due to the high risk of stepping on an explosive device. Reports suggest that about 1.2 million people are at risk, with children being the most vulnerable. Many kids may mistake landmines for toys or valuable scrap metal (which they can sell for little cash).
Food Shortages: Farmlands remain inaccessible due to fear of contamination. This causes farmers to abandon agriculture. Overtime, this has exacerbated Nigeria’s food security crisis, leading to higher prices of food and increased poverty in affected regions.
Humanitarian Barriers: Areas with unidentified explosive contamination make it difficult for aid-workers to provide relief, further deepening the crisis.
Environmental Devastation: Landmine explosions contribute to deforestation due to burning of vegetation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. The long-term effects on agriculture and ecosystems are severe, thereby slowing down regional development.
Challenges in Clearing Landmines and ERWs
While demining efforts are being made by the Government and International Agencies , several challenges make it an uphill battle:
⚠️ Ongoing Insurgency: Terror groups like Boko Haram continue to use IEDs, making demining operations incredibly risky.
⚠️ Lack of Mapping: Poor documentation of where landmines were planted further complicates the clearance efforts.
⚠️ High Costs: Specialized equipment and trained personnel are expensive. Also, funding for these clearance operations remains inadequate.
⚠️ Geographical Barriers: Dense forests, rough terrain, and climate factors like flooding can shift buried explosives, making their detection difficult.
⚠️ Poor Public Awareness: Many communities lack proper knowledge about the dangers of these ERWs, leading to unnecessary injuries and deaths.
Basic Safety Advice: How to Stay Safe
If you live in or travel to an area at risk of landmines and ERWs, follow these safety measures:
✅ Stick to Marked Paths: Avoid shortcuts, abandoned roads, or overgrown vegetation.
✅ Look for Warning Signs: Signs like ☠️⚠️⛔ indicate known danger zones. Do not ignore them!
✅ Do Not Touch Suspicious Objects: EWRs often look like rusted cans, pipes, or even toys. Never attempt to pick one up!
What to Do If You Encounter a Suspected ERW
❌ STOP: Do not approach or touch it.
MARK: Place a recognizable object nearby to alert others (without disturbing the area).
REPORT: Inform local authorities or demining teams immediately.
Emergency Actions in Case of an Explosion
If a bomb is triggered, do not rush to the scene because there may be other secondary devices lurking
Evacuate to a safe distance and await trained personnel
Injured persons should immediately seek medical help
Why this Affects Everyone; Even in the South
Many assume landmine risks are limited to the conflict-ridden areas like some parts of Northern Nigeria. But here’s the alarming truth. States like Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa are also prone to these risks due to Biafran war and Niger Delta militancy.
As more rural areas develop, unexploded bombs from past conflicts could be unearthed. Flooding and erosion can shift and expose forgotten explosives, endangering unsuspecting farmers, children, and informal workers like scrap metal collectors.
The Hard Truth: Who Will Be Next?
If we continue to ignore this problem, we are choosing inaction over survival, indifference over humanity. The next victim could be a farmer trying to feed his family, a child playing outside, or even someone just passing through. Will we wait until it’s too late?
Nigeria’s landmine and UXO crisis requires urgent government action and improved coordination with stakeholders. Effective demining, security improvements, and public awareness are crucial to reduce risks and protect communities. Without prompt intervention, landmines will continue to threaten lives and hinder development in affected areas.
The time to act is now!