Nigeria Police, British High Commission Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Capacity Through Advanced Tactical Training

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in partnership with the British High Commission, has concluded a two-week specialised counter-terrorism training programme for 55 personnel of its Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), equipping them with advanced intelligence analysis and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) skills to enhance operational effectiveness against terrorism and other security threats.

Key Takeaways

Fifty-five CTU personnel completed a two-week advanced counter-terrorism training programme.

The training was organised through collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the British High Commission.

Officers received certification in Intelligence Analysis and Close Quarter Battle (CQB).

Police authorities disclosed that more than 140 CTU operatives have benefited from British-supported training in recent months.

The graduates were urged to apply their new skills professionally while respecting human rights.

The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the British High Commission, has completed an intensive two-week strategic training programme aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of its Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU). The programme, which concluded at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, trained 55 CTU personnel in advanced intelligence gathering, tactical planning and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques considered critical for modern counter-terrorism operations.

The graduation ceremony was attended by senior security officials and international partners, including Colonel Richard Hoyobe, Deputy Head of the British Defence Staff West Africa representing the British High Commission; Assistant Inspector-General of Police Akoh Gabriel, in charge of the Counter-Terrorism Unit; and Deputy Commissioner of Police Maina Mamman. The training combined classroom intelligence instruction with practical tactical exercises, including operational planning and room clearance drills designed to prepare officers for high-risk counter-terrorism missions.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Akoh Gabriel commended the British High Commission for its continued support in strengthening Nigeria's national security capabilities through strategic capacity-building programmes. He disclosed that more than 140 CTU operatives have participated in British-supported training initiatives in recent months, including 30 officers trained in Côte d'Ivoire and 110 officers trained locally in intelligence analysis and tactical combat operations.

AIG Gabriel urged the graduating officers to deploy their newly acquired knowledge in combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes while maintaining professionalism, discipline and respect for fundamental human rights. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates recognising the participants as certified Intelligence Analysts and Tactical Close Quarter Combatants. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to continuous professional development and operational readiness as part of ongoing efforts to improve national security.

Key Quotes

According to AIG Akoh Gabriel, the partnership with the British High Commission continues to strengthen Nigeria's national security framework by building operational capacity against shared security threats.

According to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, more than 140 Counter-Terrorism Unit personnel have benefited from British-supported intelligence and tactical training programmes in recent months.

According to AIG Gabriel, the newly certified officers should utilise their skills in confronting terrorism and other security threats while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights.

The Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), headquartered in Abuja, is one of the Nigeria Police Force's specialised formations responsible for intelligence-led operations against terrorism and violent extremism. In recent years, the Force has continued to strengthen international security partnerships to enhance the operational capacity of its personnel through specialised training programmes, tactical exchanges, and intelligence cooperation.

Source: CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, 25 July 2026.

Progressviews Analysis

The latest training reflects the Nigeria Police Force's continued emphasis on specialised capacity building as security threats become increasingly sophisticated. Beyond equipment acquisition, modern counter-terrorism operations depend heavily on intelligence analysis, tactical coordination and international cooperation. Continued collaboration with foreign partners provides opportunities for knowledge transfer while strengthening Nigeria's preparedness against evolving security challenges.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Professional training remains one of the most sustainable investments in national security. As officers acquire advanced operational skills, the effectiveness of such programmes will ultimately be measured by how successfully those capabilities translate into improved intelligence gathering, coordinated responses and enhanced public safety while maintaining respect for the rule of law and human rights.