By Nkechi Eze
Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape and the growing sophistication of transnational terrorist threats, the National Counter Terrorism Centre has once again positioned itself at the heart of the country’s preparedness architecture, reinforcing a doctrine that places intelligence, coordination and leadership at the centre of effective crisis response. It was within this context that the Centre, in collaboration with the British High Commission, commenced the combined Silver and Gold Incident Commanders Courses alongside an Intelligence Analysis Course, a strategic intervention aimed at sharpening Nigeria’s crisis management and counter-terrorism capabilities.
The opening ceremony, held at the NCTC headquarters, brought together an array of senior military officers, intelligence professionals, law enforcement personnel, representatives of the British High Commission and other international partners, underscoring the multi-agency and multinational character of contemporary counter-terrorism efforts. The programme forms part of a sustained response and intelligence training initiative designed not only to enhance national security, but also to strengthen regional resilience across West Africa.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the British High Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler described the combined Gold and Silver Command Courses as a unique and invaluable platform that enables participating agencies to train, learn and develop collectively. He explained that the training pathway is central to building Nigeria’s next generation of security leaders, equipping them with the capacity to process intelligence, analyse complex and fast-moving situations, and make sound strategic decisions under pressure.
According to Lt. Col. Tyler, the intensive two-week programme is being conducted alongside Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Exercise, a convergence he said clearly demonstrates the country’s readiness and operational capacity to respond decisively to terrorist incidents and major national emergencies. He noted that the exercise sends a strong signal of preparedness, resilience and national resolve, both domestically and to international partners.
He further highlighted that the instructors deployed for the courses bring with them extensive real-world operational experience, having served in active command roles within UK policing structures. Participants, he encouraged, should actively engage with the training, challenge assumptions, share perspectives and fully leverage the depth of expertise available. Reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Tyler stressed that UK support remains focused on strengthening security, resilience and counter-terrorism cooperation, not only within Nigeria but across the wider West African sub-region.
He observed that modern security threats are increasingly complex, interconnected and far-reaching, making comprehensive planning and strong international partnerships indispensable. In his words, the ongoing training reflects Nigeria’s leadership role in counter-terrorism and reinforces the shared UK-Nigeria commitment to building a safer and more secure future. He also disclosed plans to deepen cooperation in critical areas including operational systems, air force logistics, climate vulnerability response and the exchange of best practices to bolster collective defence against terrorism.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, represented by Brigadier General Lawani Eromosele, formally welcomed participants to the programme. Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Brigadier General Eromosele described the courses as a vital step in strengthening Nigeria’s crisis management architecture and enhancing inter-agency coordination in times of national emergency.
He noted that the combined Silver and Gold Incident Commanders Courses, together with the Intelligence Analysis Course, represent the third edition of the training hosted by the Centre. Previous editions, he said, have delivered tangible results by equipping participants with essential skills for managing incidents, civil emergencies and complex security challenges across multiple sectors.
Expressing deep appreciation to the British Government and the British High Commission, Brigadier General Eromosele commended their consistent support, particularly in the areas of capacity building and the provision of highly experienced trainers. He said the partnership has been instrumental in advancing the NCTC’s vision of evolving into a regional centre of excellence and a consultancy hub for counter-terrorism and crisis management.
He explained that the Gold Incident Commanders Course is tailored for strategic-level commanders, with a focus on planning, implementing and reviewing multi-agency strategies for major incidents and civil emergencies. The Silver Incident Commanders Course, he added, is designed for operational-level commanders, equipping them with the practical skills required to manage incidents effectively and coordinate actions across diverse agencies. The Intelligence Analysis Course, according to him, provides the analytical backbone that underpins sound decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.
Taken together, Brigadier General Eromosele said, the courses offer a comprehensive framework for developing future leaders in crisis management and emergency response. He urged participants to engage fully with the training, ask questions, share experiences and maximise the opportunity to enhance their professional competence for the benefit of national security.
Commending the dedication of the trainers, organisers and the British High Commission for making the programme a reality, he encouraged participants to embrace the training with a sense of purpose and patriotism. He wished all attendees a productive and enlightening experience and formally declared the courses open, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its counter-terrorism and crisis response capabilities.
