By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through specialised training for 55 personnel of its Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), in partnership with the British High Commission, as part of efforts to improve intelligence gathering, operational effectiveness and response to emerging security threats.
The two-week training programme, which concluded on October 30, 2026, was organised through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa and brought together personnel drawn from various CTU bases across the country.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the programme was the third specialised training of its kind conducted in 2026, with the series running from February to October.
The training focused on Intelligence Analysis (IA) and Close Quarter Battle (CQB), equipping participants with skills in intelligence gathering, analysis and the application of credible information in operational decision-making.
Other areas covered included intelligence fundamentals and principles, human intelligence tools, open-source intelligence, weapon carriage, principles of close-quarter battle and room-clearance sequences.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, AIG Akoh B. Gabriel, appreciated the British High Commission for its continued support and partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
He disclosed that 165 police personnel had benefited from the specialised training since its inception, including officers who attended sponsored programmes at the International Academy in Côte d’Ivoire.
Gabriel further revealed that the CTU, working with experts from the British High Commission, had undertaken a comprehensive review of its training programmes and conducted a training needs assessment to address emerging terrorism threats and evolving tactics employed by criminal syndicates.
He explained that the outcome of the assessment would inform an expanded training programme in 2027, covering tactical operations, musketry, counter-terrorism investigations, and battlefield evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody.
The AIG charged the newly trained officers to apply the knowledge and operational skills acquired in the discharge of their duties, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He urged CTU personnel to support the Force in providing robust security for the elections, stressing that the Inspector-General of Police was committed to ensuring free, fair and credible polls through police neutrality and the provision of a secure environment for peaceful electoral activities.
Other dignitaries at the closing ceremony included the representative of the British High Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, CP Taiwo A. Adedeji, psc; and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Unit, ACP Moses Osor, psc.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the professional competence and operational readiness of its personnel through specialised training and international partnerships in line with global best practices.
