Nigerian Police Seek Training Partnership With Italy

AKINSINDE ADEOLA OYINDAMOLA

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has advanced efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security through a trilateral cooperation framework involving Nigeria, the United States and Italy, with emphasis on specialised training, counter-insurgency, intelligence-led operations and institutional development.

During his working visit to Italy, IGP Disu engaged Italian law enforcement authorities on leveraging international expertise, advanced training and technology to enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s response to terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and other security threats.

A key outcome was an offer to provide specialised training for up to 5,000 police personnel, with priority given to counter-insurgency and operations in challenging rural and forested terrain.

The proposed training would cover tactical operations, intelligence-led patrols, critical infrastructure protection, digital and scientific forensics, cybercrime, explosives detection, financial investigations, asset tracing and anti-extortion techniques. It would extend beyond the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to other relevant tactical and specialised units, including explosive ordnance disposal and forensic teams.

At a meeting with the Commander General of the Italian Carabinieri, Lieutenant-General Salvatore Luongo, the IGP discussed opportunities for technical assistance, training and institutional cooperation.

At the Carabinieri Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) in Vicenza, the delegation assessed training facilities and explored ways to adapt specialised instruction to Nigeria’s security needs. Proposed initiatives included command courses for 40 senior officers, leadership training for 100 junior commanders and a mobile assistance team to support PMF training schools in Gwoza and Ila-Orangun.

The delegation also sought support for developing a national stability policing doctrine and standard operating procedures to strengthen operational consistency, professional standards and civilian protection, particularly in communities emerging from conflict.

Further discussions explored cooperation in canine operations, forensic science and mounted policing, including horse breeding and local capacity development to support public order management and other appropriate police duties.

To advance these initiatives, IGP Disu proposed a memorandum of understanding covering training, technology transfer and operational doctrine. He also invited a Carabinieri assessment team to Abuja to identify priority needs and develop practical implementation arrangements.

The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international partnerships that strengthen operational readiness, improve investigative capabilities and enhance the protection of lives and property.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to engaging relevant partners to advance these proposals in line with Nigeria’s security priorities for a more capable, professional and responsive police institution.

CSP Ani Iniedu, Anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
30th, October 2026