Nigerian Police expand counter-terrorism operations, establish new CTU bases in States
Nigerian Police expand counter-terrorism operations, establish new CTU bases in 3 States
The Nigeria Police Force is set to strengthen its counter-terrorism operations with the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases in Adamawa, Cross River and Ogun states, alongside the deployment of additional personnel to strategic locations nationwide.
The move was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of broader efforts to improve rapid response capacity and expand operational coverage against terrorism and other violent crimes.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of a two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme organised for officers of the Force’s Counter Terrorism Units.
The programme was conducted in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, and forms part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen the operational capabilities of the police in tackling terrorism, banditry and related security threats.
Represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters, Akoh Gabriel, the police chief said the training reflects the determination of the Force leadership to continually improve the preparedness of officers confronting evolving security challenges.
The IGP also acknowledged the continued support of the British government in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the training programme involved 56 officers drawn from CTU formations across the country.
Hundeyin explained that the officers were trained in modern counter-terrorism techniques, intelligence analysis and operational coordination aimed at enhancing the Force’s response to emerging threats.
At the closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, British High Commission, commended the participants for their dedication and professionalism.
He urged them to apply the skills gained during the programme in field operations and reaffirmed the British Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts across the region.
