Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has announced new measures aimed at strengthening its ability to respond to terrorism and other major security threats across the country, including the approval of additional Counter Terrorism Unit bases and the deployment of more personnel to key locations nationwide.
The announcement was made on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, the new steps form part of ongoing reforms led by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen the operational capacity of the police as Nigeria continues to face security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and organized violent crime.
The statement explained that the Nigeria Police Force has already begun implementing specialised training programmes designed to improve the readiness of officers serving in the Counter Terrorism Unit.
“The Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme designed to enhance the operational readiness of personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit,” the statement said.
The training initiative was conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa. The partnership reflects ongoing international cooperation aimed at strengthening security operations across the West African region.
“The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the Force’s capability in combating terrorism, banditry and other serious crimes threatening national security,” the statement noted.
As part of the effort, a two week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme was organised for 56 police officers drawn from Counter Terrorism Unit formations across the country.
“The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats,” the statement said.
The training programme concluded with a closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa praised the officers who participated in the training.
He urged the officers “to effectively deploy the knowledge acquired in the operational field” and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of the United Kingdom to continue working with the Nigeria Police Force to improve counter terrorism operations in the region.
Representing the Inspector General of Police at the event was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at Force Headquarters, Akoh Gabriel.
He said the training programme demonstrates the determination of the police leadership to consistently improve the professional capacity of officers so they can respond effectively to evolving security threats.
He stated that the initiative “reflects the determination of the administration to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers of the Force in responding effectively to evolving security threats.”
Okay News reports that the police leadership has also approved the creation of new Counter Terrorism Unit bases in several locations across the country as part of efforts to improve rapid response capabilities.
The new bases will be located in Madagali, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Ikot Odo, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, and Ode-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Authorities say the new facilities will help security agencies improve operational coverage and strengthen intelligence gathering in areas considered strategically important.
“The IGP 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 statement added.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasised that it will continue building partnerships with international and domestic institutions to improve its operational effectiveness and address security challenges confronting the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country,” the statement said.
