n a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, Nigeria and the United Kingdom are joining forces to elevate the capabilities of Nigerian security agencies through a comprehensive counter-terrorism training initiative. Spearheaded by the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and in close partnership with the British High Commission, this program aims to fortify security institutions, bolster counter-terrorism expertise, and foster a more secure environment both within Nigeria and across the wider West African region.
According to reports from Blueprint, the extensive training curriculum encompasses a diverse range of specialized courses, including the Silver and Gold Commanders training programs, a Train the Trainer Aviation Security Course, and an Intelligence Analysis Course. These meticulously crafted courses are designed to equip security personnel with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and strategic expertise needed to effectively confront and mitigate evolving security threats and complex challenges.
During the opening ceremony of the training program, held in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, articulated the center’s ambitious vision of transforming into a regional hub of excellence for counter-terrorism operations throughout West Africa and the Sahel. This strategic objective underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to assuming a leadership role in the fight against terrorism and promoting lasting peace and security across the region.
Maj.-Gen. Laka further elaborated on the specific aims of the various courses, highlighting that the Silver and Gold Commanders training programs serve as vital follow-up sessions to the Strategic Commanders’ Course previously conducted in February. These advanced courses are specifically tailored to equip commanders at all levels with the critical skills necessary to respond swiftly, effectively, and decisively to a broad spectrum of potential security incidents. Furthermore, he emphasized the British High Commission’s proactive request to conduct a specialized crisis management training immediately following the conclusion of the Gold and Silver Incident Courses, underscoring the paramount importance of cultivating coordinated and highly effective crisis response capabilities.
The National Coordinator further clarified that the Gold Incident Commanders Course is meticulously designed for personnel operating at the strategic command level, while the Silver Incident Course is specifically targeted at those functioning at the operational command level. He voiced his strong confidence that the carefully selected participants would derive significant benefits from the training, as it would further refine their existing skills in crisis management, enhance their capacity for strategic thinking, and improve their ability to make well-informed decisions under pressure.
Beyond the commanders’ courses, the Train the Trainer Aviation Security Course is strategically designed to empower trainers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to deliver impactful and effective security culture training. This critical initiative aims to facilitate the development of tailored, Nigerian-specific training materials and adapt security culture programs to the unique needs and context of the country, ultimately strengthening aviation security protocols and contributing to a safer and more secure aviation ecosystem for all.
Similarly, the Intelligence Analysis Course is meticulously designed to provide participants with indispensable skills in accurately identifying individuals, comprehensively understanding intelligence assessments, conducting in-depth analysis, and effectively recognizing patterns and trends. These highly valuable skills are considered essential for enhancing national security by cultivating a robust and agile intelligence analysis capability that effectively supports strategic decision-making at the highest levels of government.
Speaking on behalf of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Ian Tyler underscored that the comprehensive training program would substantially improve Nigeria’s capacity to effectively address the persistent insecurity challenges plaguing the Sahel region. He strongly encouraged participants to actively engage with the highly experienced resource persons and leverage their extensive knowledge to enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness. Lt.-Col. Tyler also reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, reiterating their shared commitment to maintaining this vital alliance and working collaboratively to address common security concerns. He urged all participants to actively engage, ask probing questions, and fully participate in the training sessions, emphasizing the immense value of shared learning, knowledge exchange, and collaborative problem-solving.
