Nigeria Police Force Expands Counter-Terrorism Capacity 

The Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme designed to enhance the operational readiness of personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).

The training programme, implemented in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, forms part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the Force’s capability in combating terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.

The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme featured fifty-six (56) participants drawn from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force. The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, British High Commission, commended the enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by the participants. He urged the officers to effectively deploy the knowledge acquired in the operational field and reaffirmed the British Government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening counter-terrorism operations across the region.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Akoh Gabriel, stated that the training initiative reflects the determination of his administration to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers of the Force in responding effectively to evolving security threats. He also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support.

As part of broader measures aimed at strengthening the national counter-terrorism framework, IGP Olatunji Disu has approved the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State. The IGP also approved the deployment of additional CTU personnel to strategic operational locations across the country to enhance rapid response capability and improve operational coverage.

He said that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country.