Security
Nigeria Police Expand Counter-Terrorism Bases, Train Officers with UK Support
Nigeria’s police leadership has approved new counter-terrorism bases and additional personnel deployments across the country following specialised training for officers.
The move is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to combat terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.
The training programme was organised in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Office of the Counter-Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa.
Police authorities say the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve intelligence-driven operations and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Why it matters
Nigeria continues to face security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and organised crime in several regions.
Security experts say improving police counter-terrorism capacity is critical to strengthening national response systems and protecting communities.
Authorities believe specialised training and better deployment strategies could improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and operational coordination.
Inside the counter-terrorism training
The two-week programme focused on Close Quarter Battle tactics and intelligence analysis.
A total of 56 officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the police participated.
The training exposed participants to modern counter-terrorism techniques and operational best practices.
Officials say the aim is to improve how security agencies detect threats, share intelligence, and respond to attacks.
UK commends Nigerian officers
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, Ian Tyler praised the professionalism of the officers.
He encouraged them to apply the skills learned during the training in real operational situations.
“The enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by the participants have been commendable,” he said.
Mr Tyler added that the British government remains committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen counter-terrorism operations across the region.
Police leadership: training reflects new security strategy
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the programme demonstrates the police leadership’s commitment to improving operational readiness.
He was represented at the ceremony by Akoh Gabriel, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit.
“The training initiative reflects the determination of this administration to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers of the Force in responding effectively to evolving security threats,” he said.
He also thanked the British government for its continued partnership and strategic support.
New counter-terrorism bases approved
As part of the security expansion, the Inspector-General approved the establishment of three new Counter Terrorism Unit bases.
They will be located in:
Madagali
Ikot Odo
Ode‑Remo
Police authorities say the new bases will help improve response times and operational coverage.
Additional CTU personnel will also be deployed to strategic locations across the country.
Industry and security reactions
Security analysts say expanding specialised units could strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
However, they note that sustained funding, intelligence coordination and community engagement will remain critical to long-term success.
Public policy experts also emphasise the importance of collaboration between the police, military, and local communities in counter-terrorism operations.
What’s next
Police authorities say more training programmes and operational deployments are expected as part of ongoing reforms.
The force says it will continue to strengthen partnerships and invest in specialised security capabilities.
Officials argue that improved intelligence analysis and tactical readiness will play a key role in addressing evolving security threats nationwide.
The National Police Day 2026 celebrations ended with a colourful parade in Abuja, as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to professionalism, public trust, and national security.
The ceremony, held at Eagle Square, brought together officers from across the country and signalled renewed efforts to strengthen policing in Nigeria.
Tinubu Restates Reform Agenda
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the Nigeria Police Force for its resilience and dedication.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to improving police welfare, operational capacity, and reforms.
“The Federal Government will continue to strengthen police reforms, operational capacity, and personnel welfare in line with national security priorities.”
IGP Disu: ‘Time for Accountability and Trust’
In his address, IGP Disu described the event as a moment to honour fallen officers and reinforce the values of discipline and service.
“National Police Day is a moment to honour fallen heroes and reinforce the values of discipline, professionalism, and service.”
He stressed the need for a more accountable and intelligence-driven police system.
“We must build a more accountable, intelligence-driven, and community-focused Police Force.”
The police chief also assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to improve public trust and policing standards nationwide.
Inter-Agency Collaboration on Display
The parade featured multiple security agencies, reflecting growing cooperation in tackling insecurity.
Participating agencies included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Security experts say such collaboration is key to addressing complex threats like terrorism, cybercrime, and cross-border crime.
Why It Matters
Nigeria continues to face security challenges ranging from banditry to urban crime.
Strengthening the police force remains central to restoring public confidence and improving safety across communities.
Events like National Police Day aim to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement while recognising the sacrifices of officers.
Community Outreach and Welfare Support
Authorities said the celebrations were not limited to ceremonial displays.
Activities included:
Nationwide walkathons
Community service initiatives
Medical outreach programmes
Public sensitisation campaigns
Welfare cheques for families of fallen officers
These efforts, the police say, are designed to improve community relations and support personnel welfare.
Industry & Public Reactions
Security analysts note that while reforms have been promised repeatedly, implementation remains key.
Civil society groups have called for:
Greater accountability
Improved training
Better funding transparency
Residents, meanwhile, say improved response time and professionalism will be the true test of reform promises.
What’s Next?
The Nigeria Police Force says it will continue repositioning itself to meet evolving security demands.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether these commitments translate into visible changes on the streets.
The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested 47 suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, and vehicles in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing, Commissioner of Police Tijani Olayiwola Fatai said the arrests were linked to offences including armed robbery, cultism, fraud, and vehicle theft.
“These arrests and recoveries are outcomes of deliberate, intelligence-led strategies and community partnership,” he said.
Key Recoveries and Arrests
Police say the operation led to the recovery of:
14 firearms, including pump-action guns
96 rounds of live ammunition
14 vehicles
29 mobile phones and laptops
Other items linked to criminal activity
Authorities say the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Cultism, Robbery, and Fraud Cases Uncovered
Among the major cases highlighted:
A suspected armed robber, identified as Jamiu Yahaya, was arrested in Amukoko with a locally made pistol.
A 23-year-old alleged cultist linked to the Aiye confraternity was arrested in Ajegunle.
Police arrested 21 suspects at a hotel party in Ajao Estate linked to cult activity.
An 18-year-old suspect was caught attempting to collect a ₦20 million ransom in Ojokoro.
A suspected fraudster accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of ₦130 million was arrested, with luxury vehicles recovered.
“The Command will not tolerate any form of criminality,” Mr Fatai warned.
Why It Matters
Security remains a major concern for residents and businesses in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
Experts say such crackdowns can help:
Reduce violent crime and armed robbery
Disrupt organised criminal networks
Improve investor confidence
Strengthen public trust in law enforcement
However, analysts also stress the need for sustained policing and judicial follow-through.
Easter Security Operations
Police also said security arrangements during the recent Easter celebrations were successful.
“The Command recorded no major security breach during the period,” the commissioner said.
He credited proactive deployment of officers and collaboration with other security agencies and residents. 
Industry and Public Reactions
Security analysts say intelligence-led policing is key to tackling crime in densely populated cities like Lagos.
Residents, however, continue to call for:
Faster emergency response times
Increased patrol visibility
Stronger community policing
What’s Next
The police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts to:
Arrest fleeing suspects
Recover more stolen property
Dismantle criminal networks
Authorities are also urging residents to provide timely information.
“Members of the public are enjoined to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information,” Mr Fatai said.
The Nigeria Police Force says it is strengthening security operations in Ogun State after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, attended the commissioning of new security assets aimed at improving rapid response.
What happened
The police said the event marked the rollout of new patrol vehicles and electric motorbikes to boost policing capacity across the state.
Security officials say the equipment will help officers respond faster to incidents and expand patrol coverage in both urban and rural areas.
Why it matters
Nigeria continues to face evolving security challenges, including crime, road incidents and community safety concerns.
Authorities say improved mobility and logistics are key to effective policing, particularly in fast-growing states like Ogun.
The police believe the new assets could reduce response times and improve visibility, which may deter crime.
Police and government response
Speaking at the event, Inspector-General Disu praised the Ogun State Government’s approach to security.
“The newly commissioned assets will be deployed to improve rapid response and bolster patrol efficiency across the state.”
He also stressed the need for cooperation between federal and state institutions.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and committed to protecting citizens, supporting national development, and ensuring a safe environment for all.”
The Force added that collaboration with local authorities is essential to addressing emerging threats.
Public role and community safety
The police urged residents to play an active role in maintaining security by reporting suspicious activities.
Officials say community cooperation remains critical in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Industry and expert perspective
Security analysts say investment in patrol infrastructure is a positive step, but warn that long-term success depends on training, accountability and community trust.
They add that technology-driven solutions, such as electric patrol bikes, could improve efficiency if properly maintained.
What’s next
The Nigeria Police Force says the new vehicles will be deployed immediately across key locations in Ogun State.
Further collaboration with state governments is expected as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security nationwide.
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