Police, British High Commission train 55 CTU operatives in intelligence, combat skills

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the British High Commission, has concluded a two-week intensive training programme for 55 personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, on Saturday, the police said the training, held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, focused on advanced intelligence and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques to strengthen the operational capacity of personnel in tackling terrorism and other security threats.

The programme exposed participants to tactical operational planning, intelligence analysis and practical room-clearance techniques considered critical to counter-terrorism operations. The graduation ceremony was attended by the Deputy Head of the British Defence Staff West Africa, Colonel Richard Hoyobe; Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, AIG Akoh Gabriel; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, CTU, DCP Maina Mamman.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Gabriel commended the British High Commission for its continued support towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. He said more than 140 CTU personnel had benefited from British-coordinated training programmes in recent months, including 30 officers trained in Côte d’Ivoire and 110 trained locally in intelligence and tactical combat skills.

Gabriel urged the graduating officers to deploy their newly acquired skills in confronting terrorism, banditry and other security challenges while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights. He also commended the Inspector-General of Police for prioritising personnel training and development.

The 55 participants were presented with certificates designating them as certified Intelligence Analysts and Tactical Close Quarter Combatants. The Force said it would continue to invest in specialised training and strategic partnerships to enhance the capacity of its personnel and improve security across the country.