The Nigeria Police Force has approved and commenced the strengthening of its counter-terrorism specialised training programme, designed to enhance the operational readiness of personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer of the Police Force, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the training programme will be implemented in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa and will form part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the Force’s capability in combating terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.
The Force stated that the two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme involved 56 participants from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement said, “The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats.”
It said the closing ceremony of the programme held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, had Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler from the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa present, just as the British High Commission praised the enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by the participants.
According to the statement, the British High Commissioner urged the officers to effectively deploy the knowledge acquired in the operational field and reaffirmed the British Government’s commitment to maintaining 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, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, AIG Akoh Gabriel, stated that the training initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to continually enhancing the operational capacity of officers in the Force to respond effectively to evolving security threats.
“He also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support.
The IGP also announced approval for establishing new Counter Terrorism Bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State.
Additionally, the IGP approved the deployment of more Counter Terrorism Unit personnel to strategic operational locations nationwide to boost rapid response and expand operational coverage.
He assured that the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to strengthening collaborations, enhancing operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to counter terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country.
