As part of wider efforts to improve the country’s counter-terrorism system, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the creation of new Counter Terrorism Bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode-Remo in Ogun State.
This is following the training of fifty-six officers in counter terrorism operations by the British government.
The Nigeria Police introduced the special training program in collaboration with the British High Commission to train operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit in Nigeria, with the help of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa.
The program, according to the Nigeria Police, is part of continued work to improve the Force’s ability to fight terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes that endanger the country’s security.
The two-week training program on Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis included fifty-six participants who were selected from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force.
The officers learned about modern methods used in fighting terrorism, how to analyze intelligence, and the best ways to carry out operations.
These skills were meant to help them work together more effectively to deal with new and growing security dangers.
At the program’s closing ceremony in Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler from the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, British High Commission, praised the participants for their enthusiasm and professional attitude.
He tasked the officers to use the knowledge they gained during their fieldwork effectively and reminded everyone that the British government is dedicated to continuing its work with the Nigeria Police Force to improve counter-terrorism efforts in the area.
In his speech, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, speaking through the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who leads the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja, AIG Akoh Gabriel, said the training program shows the government’s commitment to constantly improving the skills of police officers so they can better deal with new and changing security challenges.
The IGP also agreed to send more CTU staff to key areas around the country to help respond faster and cover more ground operationally.
Nigeria Police, British High Commission train officers on counter-terrorism operations
