By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to strengthen its counter-terrorism architecture with the training of specialised personnel and the establishment of new operational bases for its Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) across the country.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who noted that the initiative forms part of ongoing measures to boost the operational readiness of officers tasked with tackling terrorism, banditry and other serious security threats.
According to the statement, the Force recently concluded a two-week specialised training programme on Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis for personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit. The programme, which was conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, brought together fifty-six officers drawn from CTU formations of the police.
The training exposed participants to modern counter-terrorism strategies, intelligence gathering and analysis techniques, as well as operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Ian Tyler, a Lieutenant Colonel from the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa at the British High Commission, commended the participants for their enthusiasm, discipline and professionalism throughout the training. He urged them to effectively apply the knowledge acquired in the field and reaffirmed the commitment of the British Government to sustaining collaboration with the Nigeria Police in strengthening counter-terrorism operations in the region.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Akoh Gabriel, said the training reflects the determination of the current police leadership to continuously enhance the professional capacity of officers in responding effectively to evolving security threats. He also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support in building the Force’s operational capability.
As part of broader measures to reinforce the national counter-terrorism framework, the Inspector-General of Police has also approved the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State.
The police chief also authorised the deployment of additional CTU personnel to strategic operational locations across the country to strengthen rapid response capability and expand operational coverage in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity and deploying strategic resources to effectively combat terrorism and safeguard national security.
