Matilda Omonaiye/
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism architecture with the approval of new operational bases and the training of specialised officers in advanced combat and intelligence techniques.
The initiative follows a two-week specialised training programme for personnel of the Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa.
A total of 56 officers drawn from CTU formations across the country participated in the programme, which focused on close-quarter battle strategies, intelligence analysis and other modern counter-terrorism operational practices designed to enhance the police’s ability to respond to evolving security threats.
The closing ceremony of the training programme was held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa at the British High Commission commended the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the participants. He urged them to apply the knowledge gained during the training to operational duties and reaffirmed the British government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen regional counter-terrorism capabilities.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters, Akoh Gabriel, said the training reflected the police leadership’s resolve to continually upgrade the operational capacity of officers confronting security threats.
Disu also expressed appreciation to the British government for its continued partnership and strategic support in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
As part of broader measures to enhance the national security framework, the Inspector-General has approved the establishment of three new Counter Terrorism Unit bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State.
The police chief also authorised the deployment of additional CTU personnel to strategic operational locations nationwide to improve rapid response capability and expand operational coverage against terrorism, banditry and other organised crimes.
Police authorities said the measures form part of an ongoing strategy to deepen partnerships, improve operational readiness and deploy resources more effectively in tackling emerging security challenges across the country.
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