The Nigeria Police Force has trained 55 personnel of its Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) in intelligence analysis and close-quarter battle techniques as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s response to terrorism and emerging security threats.
The two-week specialised 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 Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 2, 2026, noting that the exercise was the third edition of the programme conducted in 2026, with previous sessions held between February and October.
According to the statement, the training brought together personnel drawn from different Counter Terrorism Unit bases across the country, with a focus on improving intelligence gathering, analytical capabilities and the application of credible information in operational decision-making.
Participants received instruction in intelligence fundamentals, human intelligence tools, open-source intelligence, close-quarter battle principles, weapon carriage and room-clearance procedures.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji 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 partnership and support in the fight against terrorism.
Gabriel 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.
He said the unit, in collaboration with experts from the British High Commission, had reviewed its training programmes and conducted a training needs assessment to address emerging terrorist threats and evolving tactics employed by criminal syndicates.
The AIG explained that the findings would guide an expanded training programme in 2027, covering tactical operations, musketry, counter-terrorism investigations, as well as battlefield evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody.
He said the expansion was necessary to equip officers with the skills required to respond effectively to changing security challenges.
Gabriel charged the newly trained personnel to apply the knowledge acquired in their operations, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He urged CTU personnel to provide robust security during the elections, stressing that the Inspector-General of Police was committed to ensuring police neutrality and creating an environment conducive to free, fair and credible polls.
The statement quoted the police leadership as reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of officers through specialised training and international partnerships in line with global best practices.
Those present 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; and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the unit, ACP Moses Osor.
The Nigeria Police Force said the initiative formed part of its broader efforts to improve professional competence, intelligence-led operations and the capacity of its personnel to tackle terrorism and other security threats.
