In the heart of Gwoza, a community still scarred by years of conflict, Superintendent Michael David stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. As a NSCDC officer, Michael has dedicated his life to protecting his people. But in Gwoza, the dangers go beyond the violence of armed conflict — they are the silent, hidden killers: unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).“People in Gwoza live in constant fear. They cannot access their farms or even engage in daily business activities without the threat of these devices,” Michael shares. “But now, I have a new mission.I’m a bearer of hope and safety.
Michael recently completed the Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) Training of Trainers (ToT) course at the Police EOD School in Maiduguri, an initiative launched by UNMAS with the generous support of UKAID.
“I want to make sure that even the most vulnerable, especially those who live in remote areas — know how to recognize these dangers and protect themselves. The training taught me more than just technical knowledge; it taught me how to communicate in a way that resonates deeply with our people.” Michael’s determination to save lives is rooted in the tragedies he has witnessed firsthand. He vividly recalls a recent incident where Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) used young girls, as young as 15, to carry and detonate IEDs at a wedding ceremony. When people rushed to help, another explosion caused even more casualties.
“Explosives can come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re not always obvious,” Michael explains. “I need people to understand that even something as ordinary as a bucket could be a deadly device..”He knows that EORE is not just about knowledge — it’s about changing behavior and saving lives. Now, Michael plans to reach schools, IDP camps, and villages, tailoring his sessions using local dialects like Hausa and Kambari.
To expand his impact, he plans to train a female teacher to help deliver safety messages to women and girls, respecting local customs. “She’ll help me reach women in conservative areas—they’ll listen to her, and together we can save more lives.
For Michael, this is not just a job. It’s a calling. “Knowledge is like stepping out of darkness into the light,” he says passionately. Every presentation he gives, every village he visits, is one step closer to a safer, stronger Gwoza. It’s people like Michael who are not just defending communities — they’re empowering them with the knowledge to save themselves, one person, one family, and one village at a time."