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The Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity with specialised training for 55 personnel of its Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), as part of efforts to improve operational readiness and tackle emerging security threats.
The two-week training programme, organised in partnership with the British High Commission through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, ended on October 30, 2026.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniede, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the programme brought together personnel from different CTU bases across the country.
She said the exercise was the third edition of the training programme in 2026, following earlier sessions conducted between February and October.
The training focused on Intelligence Analysis (IA) and Close Quarter Battle (CQB), equipping participants with improved intelligence-gathering, analytical and operational skills for effective counter-terrorism operations.
Participants were exposed to intelligence fundamentals and principles, human intelligence tools, open-source intelligence, close-quarter battle techniques, weapon carriage and room-clearance procedures.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the CTU, AIG Akoh B. Gabriel, appreciated the British High Commission for its continued support and partnership in strengthening Nigeria's fight against terrorism.
Gabriel disclosed that 165 police personnel had benefited from the programme since its inception, including officers who attended sponsored courses at the International Academy in Côte d'Ivoire.
He said the Counter Terrorism Unit, working with experts from the British High Commission, had also reviewed its training programmes and conducted a training needs assessment to ensure that personnel were adequately prepared for emerging terrorist threats and evolving criminal tactics.
According to him, the 2027 training programme would be expanded to cover tactical operations, musketry, counter-terrorism investigations, and battlefield evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody.
The AIG urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of their duties, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
He also charged CTU personnel to support the Force in providing adequate security during the elections, stressing that IGP Disu remained committed to police neutrality and the creation of an enabling environment for free, fair and credible polls.
Other dignitaries at the event included the representative of the British High Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the CTU, CP Taiwo A. Adedeji; and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the unit, ACP Moses Osor.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to continuous professional development and the deployment of well-trained personnel capable of discharging their constitutional responsibilities in line with international best practices.
