The Nigeria Police Force has approved the creation of additional Counter Terrorism Unit bases and deployed more personnel to strategic areas across the country as part of efforts to improve the nation’s response to security threats.
The development was announced on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, the initiative is part of ongoing reforms being implemented by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen the operational capability of the police in addressing terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes.
Police authorities also introduced a specialised training programme 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 programme was organised in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa.
“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 initiative, a two week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme was conducted for 56 officers selected 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 ended with a closing ceremony at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall located at the police headquarters in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler of the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa praised the officers who completed the programme.
He encouraged them “to effectively deploy the knowledge acquired in the operational field” and restated the commitment of the Government of the United Kingdom to continue supporting counter terrorism cooperation with Nigeria.
The Inspector General of Police was represented at the ceremony by the Assistant Inspector General of Police responsible for the Counter Terrorism Unit at the Force Headquarters, Akoh Gabriel.
He said the training reflects the commitment of police leadership to constantly improve the operational capacity of officers.
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.”
The police leadership also approved the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit bases in several locations. These include Madagali, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Ikot Odo, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, and Ode-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Authorities said the new bases will support faster response operations and improve security coverage 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 police reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships and improving operational readiness in order to tackle terrorism and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.