By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA – As part of a growing strategic partnership to enhance regional security and counter-terrorism capabilities, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), now recognized as the Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, has commenced a two-week intensive capacity building programme in collaboration with the British High Commission.
The training courses Silver and Gold Incident Command, Intelligence Analysis, and Train the Trainer Aviation Security were officially launched on Monday in Abuja, marking the first time the Centre is hosting four specialized courses concurrently.
Speaking at the combined opening ceremony, National Coordinator of the Centre, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, described the initiative as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and preparing for future joint operational exercises such as the forthcoming Exercise RAPID RESPONSE.
According to Major General Laka, the Silver and Gold Incident Commanders’ courses are direct follow-ups to the Strategic Commanders’ Course held earlier in February. “These are tailored to train commanders at operational and strategic levels to better manage crisis situations,” he said.
He further announced that at the request of the British High Commission, a crisis management training will also be conducted immediately after the current sessions conclude.
Commenting on the other training components, the NCTC boss noted that the Train the Trainer Aviation Security Course is designed to help develop Nigeria-specific training content and instill a culture of aviation security tailored to the nation’s needs. “This will contribute significantly to a safer aviation ecosystem,” he said.
Additionally, the Intelligence Analysis Course aims to empower participants with critical skills in data interpretation, threat identification, and pattern analysis key tools in supporting national decision-making at the strategic level.
“The knowledge and networks you build here will not only strengthen your individual capacities but also help fortify our collective regional security. The bonds you form during this training will become invaluable in our shared mission to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” Laka told participants.
The British training team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler, commended the NCTC for its commitment to strengthening institutional capabilities. Tyler, who addressed attendees on behalf of the British High Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing.
“We’ve brought in highly experienced former police officers and military instructors from the UK to deliver these courses. Their goal is to share practical expertise in both strategic and operational crisis response,” he said.
He encouraged participants to make the most of the sessions: “There’s no such thing as a silly question. If you don’t know, ask. These experts are here to help you sharpen your understanding so that together, we can enhance Nigeria’s operational readiness and better respond to the threat of terrorism across the Sahel.”
Participants in the training were carefully selected from various security and law enforcement agencies, representing operational commanders, strategic leaders, intelligence analysts, and aviation security trainerscollectively tasked with advancing a safer Nigeria and a more secure West African region.
