The Nigeria Police Force has expanded its counter-terrorism capacity with the approval of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases and additional deployments across strategic locations in the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the development followed a specialised training programme designed to enhance the operational readiness of personnel of the CTU.
According to the statement, the training was conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Force’s ability to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.
The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme involved fifty-six officers drawn from CTU formations of the Nigeria Police Force. Participants were trained in modern counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence gathering and analysis, as well as operational strategies aimed at improving coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
Speaking during the closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, British High Commission, commended the officers for their professionalism and commitment during the training.
He encouraged them to effectively apply the knowledge gained in their operational duties and reaffirmed the British Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts across the region.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Akoh Gabriel, noted that the training reflects the determination of the current police leadership to continually enhance the operational capacity of officers in addressing evolving security challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support to the Nigeria Police Force.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen the national counter-terrorism framework, the IGP approved the establishment of new CTU bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State.
The police leadership also authorised the deployment of additional CTU personnel to key operational locations across the country to boost rapid response capability and expand operational coverage.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to effectively combat terrorism and other emerging security threats nationwide.
