Nigeria Police Expand Counter-Terrorism Capacity, Approve New CTU Bases

Abuja, Nigeria — Saturday, March 7, 2026

The Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).

The programme was implemented 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 reinforce the Force’s capability in combating terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.

The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme featured fifty-six participants drawn from the CTU of the Nigeria Police Force. During the training, officers were exposed to modern counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices designed to strengthen coordinated responses to emerging security threats.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall, Force Headquarters in Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, British High Commission in Nigeria, commended the enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by the participants. He urged the officers to apply the knowledge gained during the training in their operational duties and reaffirmed the British Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening counter-terrorism operations across the region.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters, Akoh Gabriel, said the initiative reflects the determination of the current police leadership to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers in responding effectively to evolving security threats. He also expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership and strategic support.

As part of broader measures aimed at strengthening the national counter-terrorism framework, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has approved the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Bases in Madagali, Adamawa State; Ikot Odo in Akpabuyo, Cross River State; and Ode‑Remo in Ogun State. The Inspector-General also approved the deployment of additional CTU personnel to strategic operational locations across the country to enhance rapid response capability and improve operational coverage.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats nationwide.