The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has advanced a security partnership involving Nigeria, the United States and Italy, with a proposed specialised training programme for up to 5,000 police personnel to strengthen the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
In a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the initiative was part of efforts to improve the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force through international expertise, advanced training and technology, particularly in counter-insurgency, intelligence-led operations and policing of challenging rural and forested areas.
Iniedu said that during his working visit to Italy, Disu met with the Commander General of the Italian Carabinieri, Lieutenant-General Salvatore Luongo, to discuss opportunities for technical assistance, training and institutional cooperation.
He said the proposed training would cover tactical operations, intelligence-led patrols, critical infrastructure protection, digital and scientific forensics, cybercrime, explosives detection, financial investigations, asset tracing and anti-extortion techniques.
The statement added that the programme would extend beyond the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to other relevant tactical and specialised units, including explosive ordnance disposal and forensic teams.
“At the Carabinieri Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) in Vicenza, the Nigerian delegation assessed training facilities and explored ways to adapt specialised instruction to the country’s security needs.
“Proposals discussed included command courses for 40 senior officers, leadership training for 100 junior commanders and the deployment of a mobile assistance team to support PMF training schools in Gwoza and Ila-Orangun,” Iniedu said.
He added that the delegation also sought support for developing a national stability policing doctrine and standard operating procedures to promote operational consistency, professional standards and civilian protection, particularly in communities emerging from conflict.
“Further discussions covered possible cooperation in canine operations, forensic science and mounted policing, including horse breeding and local capacity development for public order management and other appropriate police duties,” he said.
According to the Force PRO, Disu also proposed a memorandum of understanding covering training, technology transfer and operational doctrine. He invited a Carabinieri assessment team to Abuja to identify priority needs and develop practical implementation arrangements.
“The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international partnerships that would strengthen operational readiness, improve investigative capabilities and enhance the protection of lives and property,” Iniedu stated.
