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 Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.

The promotions were announced on Friday following a selection exercise at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

According to the PSC, the officers were selected based on merit, seniority, service record and performance in written and oral examinations conducted by the Commission.

Who are the newly promoted DIGs?

The officers elevated to the rank of DIG are:

Zachariah Fera Achinyan, formerly AIG in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi

Zango Ibrahim Baba, formerly AIG Department of Logistics and Supply

Isyaku Mohammed, formerly AIG Armament at Force Headquarters, Abuja

Margaret Agebe Ochalla, formerly AIG FCID Annex, Lagos

Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, formerly AIG Police Accounts and Budget at Force Headquarters, Abuja

Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, formerly AIG Zone 15, Maiduguri

Umar Shehu Nadada, formerly AIG Zone 14, Katsina

The PSC said the promotions followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted by its board members.

Why the promotions matter

The new appointments come after the retirement of eight DIGs who previously occupied strategic positions within the police hierarchy.

Officials say filling the leadership gap is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring continuity in policing and national security management.

The development also follows the recent elevation of Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General, after which he joined the police Force Management Team.

PSC chairman’s charge to new DIGs

The Chairman of the PSC, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

He said:

“The promotions, which are a result of merit, seniority, record of service and performance in a written examination and oral interview conducted today at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, are part of efforts to strengthen the leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.”

Argungu also encouraged the officers to prioritise national security and maintain strong collaboration with the Commission.

“They must live up to the expectations of their new offices, prioritise national security and foster a cordial and productive working relationship with the Commission to ensure the continued development of the Nigeria Police Force.”

Who supervised the promotion exercise

Several PSC board members served as examiners during the promotion exercise.

They included retired Supreme Court Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, former DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and the Secretary to the Commission Onyemuche Nnamani.

Industry and public perspective

However, experts also say the effectiveness of the promotions will depend on how the new leaders address public concerns over policing standards, accountability and security challenges across the country.

What’s next for the new police leadership

The newly promoted DIGs are expected to assume strategic command roles within the Nigeria Police Force.

Their responsibilities will likely include overseeing operational departments, managing police zones and coordinating national security initiatives.

Observers say their performance will play a significant role in shaping public confidence in Nigeria’s policing system.

The Oyo State Police Command says it has rescued four passengers abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi road in northern Oyo State.

The victims were taken in the early hours of 5 March 2026 after armed men intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.

Police said the kidnappers emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road before dragging four passengers into the surrounding forest.

The rescue followed a coordinated operation involving police officers and local security agencies.

How the Rescue Happened

According to the command, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a rescue operation after receiving reports of the incident.

Divisional police officers from Igbeti and Kishi divisions were mobilised alongside tactical teams.

A joint team of police operatives, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), and Operation Burst launched an extensive search operation in the forests surrounding the road.

The sustained bush-combing exercise lasted several hours.

Police say the pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.

The four passengers were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

Police Praise Security Collaboration

Mr Haruna commended the security operatives for what he described as a swift and professional response.

He said cooperation between security agencies remained crucial to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, professionalism, and swift response of the combined security team,” the police statement said.

The command also thanked the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde for providing support and resources for security operations.

Police further acknowledged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under Olatunji Rilwan Disu in coordinating nationwide crime-fighting strategies.

Why This Matters

Kidnappings along intercity roads remain a security concern in parts of Nigeria.

Rural roads connecting communities often lack consistent patrol coverage, making them vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Security analysts say coordinated operations between federal and local security outfits are becoming increasingly important in responding to such incidents.

They argue that intelligence sharing and faster response times can significantly reduce the risk to travellers.

What’s Next

Police say a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspects responsible for the attack.

Security operatives are continuing combing operations in nearby forests as part of intelligence-led investigations.

Authorities are urging residents and travellers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

The command also asked members of the public to provide credible information that could help arrest the suspects.

Emergency Contacts

The Oyo State Police Command advised residents to report emergencies through the state’s call response centre.

• Toll-free line: 615

• Control room: 08081768614 | 07055495413