The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases in Adamawa, Cross River and Ogun states as part of broader efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s response to terrorism and related security threats.
The development comes alongside a specialised training programme designed to enhance the operational readiness of personnel of the Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit.
The training programme, implemented in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, forms part of ongoing initiatives to reinforce the Police Force’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and other serious crimes threatening national security.
Fifty-six officers drawn from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Force participated in the two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme, where they were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis techniques and operational best practices.
Speaking at 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 commended the participants for their commitment and professionalism during the programme.
Tyler urged the officers to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in the operational field, while reaffirming the British Government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with Nigeria in strengthening counter-terrorism operations across the region.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Akoh Gabriel, said the training reflected the leadership’s determination to continually enhance the operational capacity of police personnel.
The Force also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support in building the capacity of officers to address emerging security challenges.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the establishment of additional CTU bases was part of strategic steps aimed at improving operational coverage and rapid response capabilities across the country.
“The approval of new Counter Terrorism Unit bases in Madagali in Adamawa State, Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, and Ode-Remo in Ogun State forms part of deliberate measures to strengthen the national counter-terrorism framework,” Hundeyin said.
He added that the IGP had also approved the deployment of additional CTU personnel to key operational locations nationwide.
“Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of additional Counter Terrorism Unit personnel to strategic operational locations across the country to enhance rapid response capability and improve operational coverage,” he stated.
Hundeyin noted that the initiative underscores the commitment of the Police leadership to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity and deploying strategic resources to tackle terrorism and other emerging security threats.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country,” he added.
The Police spokesperson reiterated that the Force would continue to collaborate with local and international partners to improve intelligence gathering, tactical response and overall security management nationwide.
